| 摘要 |
The specification discloses an articulator and associated method for assembling upper and lower dental models corresponding to the upper and lower sets of a patient's teeth in a desired occlusal relationship for simulation of occlusal and masticatory movements by application of a force to the dental models supported by the articulator. The articulator comprises a frame comprising resiliently deformable first and second frame sections pivotally connected together for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. Each of the frame sections includes an elongate channel, the channels being arranged such that pivotal movement of the frame sections about the pivot axis sweeps the length axes of the channels through arcs in a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. Structure is provided for limiting pivotal movement of the frame sections beyond a closed position at which the length axes of the channels are disposed substantially coaxially. First and second protrusion members are provided for attachment to the first and second dental models, respectively, and are dimensioned to be received within the channels and adhesively secured thereto at desired positions along the length of the channels.
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