Virtual Articulator: A Tool for Improved Implant Planning?

ArticulatorHas anyone had any experience with the use of the Virtual Articulator for implant planning and design?

The virtual articulator (VA) is an attempt to apply Virtual reality (VR) techniques, which have proven revolutionary in other medical disciplines, to the field of dentistry.

It is intended for use as a tool for the analysis of complex static and dynamic occlusal relations. Its chief application is in individual diagnosis and the simulation of the mechanical articulator. In combination with CAD/CAM technologies, the virtual articulator, appears to offer the potential for higher accuracy in implant planning/design, as well as a potentially shorter therapy time period.

One company that is offering a virtual dental service is: 3D LAB Service GmbH.

The company’s goal is actually:

“No computer-made prosthetic work without a virtual articulator.”

The process is basically as follows:

• The input unit in form of a scanner
• The 3d LAB modelling software, the core of a virtual articulator
• and the output device, a “rapid prototyping system” with stereoscopic inkjet technology
Furthermore, the articulator displays a “mechanic simulation system”, where the patient data, communicated by the dentist, can be transferred to.

More information on 3d Lab Service can be found at: http://www.3dlabservice.de/eng_index.html

Have you used virtual reality/virtual articulator systems in your implant practice? What was your experience? What has been the feedback from clinicians and labs? Please leave your thoughts below.

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Filed Under Software, Computer Guided Implant Surgery, Dental Implants 

Comments

3 Responses to “Virtual Articulator: A Tool for Improved Implant Planning?”

  1. Jeffrey Hoos DMD on July 6th, 2007 7:31 pm

    I wonder how good it could be….as with all articulators except the Wehmer. The maxilla moves and I know no one that does that.
    Also the intracondyle distance needs to be changable as well as the arch of closure.
    It is a start

  2. Dr Ramesh Bulbule on July 13th, 2007 2:32 am

    I certainly seems an exciting idea though I have no personal experience nor I know anyone who has. Would appreciate if someone can forward me some basic liturature on the subject. Dentistry will have to adopt the virtual technology sooner than later. I donot want to be left behind.

  3. Free Software Downloads on September 26th, 2007 12:45 am

    Free Software Downloads…

    I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…

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