Interchangeability of Contemporary Semi-adjustable Articulators Used Over Time: An In Vitro Study

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the interchangeability of newly acquired, short-term used, and long-term used semi-adjustable articulators. Materials and methods: Metal analogs of partially dentate maxillary and mandibular arches were mounted on twelve semi-adjustable Stratos 300 articulators, divided into three groups based on usage over time: New, short-term used (<2 years), long-term used (>2 years) articulators. Each articulator was calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines, ensuring consistency. Occlusal contact forces were recorded using a T-scan III device with a pressure-mapping sensor. Maximum intercuspation (MIP) contact magnitudes were recorded by two calibrated examiners at 10-second intervals, ensuring reliable data collection across all conditions. Results: In MIP, tooth #9 consistently exhibited the highest contact percentages across all articulator conditions, with percentages of 22.2% in the new articulator, 21.8% in the short-term used articulators, and 21.5% in long-term used articulators, indicating stable contact force distribution. Tooth #12 consistently showed the lowest MIP contact percentages, suggesting minimal occlusal force in this region due to its absence. Contact forces, measured at 10-second intervals, showed no significant differences among the different articulator conditions in MIP (p > 0.01). Conclusion:Within the limitations of this invitrostudy, the calibrated Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulator maintained superior accuracy over time. Clinical significance: The study confirms that the calibrated Stratos 300 semi-adjustable articulators provide consistent and accurate occlusal measurements over time, regardless of their usage over time.