7
In order to be proficient in the use of the
articulator to diagnose condylar paths of
movement and to fabricate occlusal
restorations, the operator must have
knowledge of:
• The articulator condylar controls
and how to adjust them.
• The proper hand grasps for manip-
ulating the articulator through its
excursive movements.
In this section of this manual we will first
discuss the simple procedure of how to
open and close the articulator properly
and how to operate the centric latch.
Secondly we will discuss the location of
the articulator condylar controls and
how to adjust them. Lastly we will cover
the proper hand grasps for manipulating
the articulator through its excursive
movements. How to adjust the articula-
tor to checkbite records is discussed in
another section of this manual.
ARTICULATOR MANIPULATIONS
To assemble the articulator hold the
upper bow approximately parallel to the
lower bow and simply place it on the
lower bow.
Centric Latch Operation
When the articulator is closed it can be
locked in the centric position by pushing
the centric latch to the down position.
The centric latch is opened by placing
the index finger on the trigger located
underneath the center of the crossbar of
the lower bow and by placing the thumb
on top of the upper bow (fig. 3). Next
apply pressure with the index finger; it
must be released by the trigger. When
the centric latch is open the upper bow
can be removed from the lower bow by
lifting it vertically while maintaining the
upper bow parallel to the lower bow.
To Open the Articulator
Apply downward pressure to the top of
the upper bow over the centric latch and
fossa assemblies with the heel of the
palm of the left hand and simply open
the articulator. The opening movement
of the articulator automatically engages
the centric latch and locks it (fig. 4).
II. THE DÉNAR
®
MARK II ARTICULATOR
fig. 3
fig. 4
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