The invention is a three dimensional virtual articulator used for but not limited to diagnosing and treatment planning for dental and medical specialties, including orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, orthognathic surgery, implant positioning, crown and bridge and prosthesis design.
The operator enters patient-specific anatomical measurements for condylar angles, Bennett angle and shift, lateral excursive and protrusive movements, and maximum mandibular opening, and a selection of preset or customizable intercondylar distances to simulate the unique mandibular range of motion.
The patient-specific measurements create a customized complex polygon that illustrates the maximum limits of the mandibular range of motion. The operator is able to use onscreen controls to move the virtual mandible in relation to the virtual maxilla within the parameters described by the patient-specific measurements input by the operator.
The first point of contact as well as surface interferences can be marked on the dynamic surfaces of the two virtual arches.