Application of a digital articulator based on virtual reality technique in oral repair / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The development of digital technology has changed the diagnosis and treatment process in traditional oral clinic. The digital workflow can improve patient’s comfort, and save time. Virtual articulator as the new development section has been used in most of the dental design software, which is to replicate the function of mechanical articulator and simulate static and dynamic occlusion. It makes treatment more convenient, accuract and efficient. OBJECTIVE: To review the recent progress in the field of operation and clinical application of multiple virtual articulators at home and abroad. METHODS: The first author searched the related literature, clinical cases and books by computer in domestic and foreign databases, and the related contents and opinions were summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Although it has been studied for about 20 years, virtual articulator has not been widely applied because of technical sensitivity and high cost. (2) The transfer of articulator needs to scan the mandible model and record the mandibular movement relation. To define mandibular movement relation, average mandible parameters can be used, the ultrasonic sensor, photoelectric sensor, digital face bow or cone beam computed tomography for individualized records can also be used. (3) At present, virtual articulator has been used in fields of orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint disease, implant, and aesthetic repair. Comparative studies have shown that accuracy can meet clinical requirements and save time. However, differences between occlusal systems need to be detected. (4) Virtual articulator can save clinical operation time, improve accuracy, make up for the limitations of mechanical articulator, and has a wide range of application prospects.