Virtual articulator–an introduction to virtual technologies in prosthetic and restorative dentistry
Ankur Pandey
College of Dental Sciences, India
: Dent Health Curr Res
Abstract
Virtual reality helps us to visualize and experience a world of three demensions in real time and with six degree freedom. Virtual articulator is also known as software articulator, as based on virtual techonolgy it will help to provide better training and education by examining complex contexts. As mechanical articulator have drawbacks, major one being the limitation in mandibular movements and semi adjustable type, so virtual ones may replace them in near future. In the field of prosthetic and restorative dentistry, the virtual articulator showcases the virtual applications to clinical dental practitioners for analysing the static and dynamic occlusal relations. It represents 3D view of jaws and patient specific data on jaw movements. It requires mainly three unit devices (3D scanner as input device, 3D VA software for modelling and rapid prototyping system as output device). It works in combination with CAD/CAM techonolgy for serious prosthesis and implants. So virtual technology has opened options for dental proffesionals for doing successful diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with virtual articulator in today’s clinical dental practice.
Biography
