The restoration of masticatory function aims not only to replace teeth that have collapsed, but also to recreate the correct trajectory of the lower jaw.
The direction of movement of the jaw is individual and is directly dependent on the anatomy of the crowns, as well as the structure of the temporomandibular joints. Ensure the correctness of the indicator can set the front arc. It is difficult to imagine modern dentistry without this device.
What it is?
The facial arch is a device that is used to transfer the model of the jaw from gypsum to the interframe space relative to the axis of its opening, taking into account the orientation of the dentition with respect to the skull and mandibular condyles. The articulator is a device that reproduces the movement of the lower jaw.
The facial arch is a U-shaped plate made of metal, which is fixed in the ears or temporomandibular joints with the help of special stops. Also, the device is mounted in the nose with the help of the nose.
The part fastened in the area of the teeth was called the “bite fork”. It is attached to the front arch through a three-dimensional retainer.
The principle of operation of the devices has much in common with the function of braces. The facial arch provides a certain pressure on the teeth, as a result of which they assume a natural location.
Varieties of designs
Such a device as a front arc, the price of which depends on the type of structure and the manufacturer, is of three types:
- with a locking device in the neck;
- with a locking device in the head area;
- with a locking device in the neck and head.
Fixture installation
Installation of the front arc is possible in a single position. Through this property, a unified use of the apparatus and stability of the final result are achieved.
The bite fork, together with the impression mass, is located in the oral cavity and is pressed against the dentition of the upper jaw or simply to the gums if there are no teeth.
After this manipulation, the bite fork and the facial arch close together. Further, the device is removed from the patient's mouth and ears. The transitional construction with a bite plug is passed to the dental technician along with the impressions.
The application of the facial arch ensures the correct orientation and trajectory of the jaw of the patient.
The main advantages of the device
The advantages of an articulation arc include:
- reduction in the number of visits to the prosthetist to install the prosthesis (it will take much less time to adjust the design);
- convenience and comfort of the finished prosthesis;
- reduction of the period of getting used to the prosthesis;
- quick and effective restoration of chewing function;
- rational distribution of load on the dentition, which increases the service life of the prosthesis, as well as supporting molars and implants;
- providing an aesthetic arrangement of the front teeth relative to the eyes, nose and lips;
- high level of esthetics of the patient’s smile;
- providing the ability to check and straighten the sides, axes and the inclination of the teeth and tubercles with respect to movement in the joint in the lateral and incisive directions.
What is fraught with improper orthopedic treatment?
With incorrectly performed orthopedic therapy without taking into account the peculiarities of the arrangement of rows of teeth, a change in the structure of the temporomandibular joint occurs .
This may lead to the development of:
- arthrosis;
- migraine;
- discomfort when opening your mouth.
Therefore, the task of the orthopedic dentist and dental technician is not only to recreate the correct shape of the crown, but also to maintain the functionality of the temporomandibular joint.
The possibility of ensuring the correct location of the tooth in the arc is provided by the method of using the facial arch and an individually selected articulator.
Application of the facial arch in the field of orthopedics
In orthopedics, the facial arch is used in the following cases:
- to set an indicator of the state of the upper and lower jaw relative to the bones of the skull;
- to transfer the position of the upper jaw and the rotational axis of the lower to the articulator;
- to determine the rotational axis of the condyle;
- to indicate a bite by means of a mass of silicone or thermoplastic material.
After measurements are taken, the front arc is removed, and the obtained data are transferred to the articulator. This device provides the ability to simulate the direction of the lower jaw.
Use of the device in orthodontics
The front arch in the area of orthodontics is a device that is used to free up space in the dentition by moving the teeth back.
In orthodontics, the device is used in the following cases:
- to ensure the correct location of chewing molars after the extraction of crowded teeth;
- with severe crowding of teeth located in front;
- to prevent early movement of the lateral teeth forward while correcting the position of the teeth of the front row;
- for the correction of jaws during their formation in adolescence;
- to correct the bite and improve the alignment of teeth.
Recommendations for patients using the facial arch
If the patient requires the wearing of a facial arch to eliminate any pathological process, then he must adhere to certain rules for using this device:
- In almost any case, the device is worn up to 12 hours a day. Correction of the bite requires wearing the device up to 14 hours a day.
- When wearing the device, you should visit the dentist's office every six months to reorganize the oral cavity.
- In the presence of tissue diseases near the teeth, the facial arch is established only after consultation with the periodontist.
- Before installation, it is imperative to eliminate all existing defects of enamel, chips, and also to check the integrity of fillings and crowns.
- If there is an allergy in the patient, a full examination by an allergist is necessary.
- To eliminate pathologies of the lower jaw, the treatment of the orthodontist is insufficient. A dentist surgeon must be connected to therapy.
- The duration of treatment with a device such as a dental articulator with a facial arch ranges from several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the violation.
- If such unpleasant symptoms as bleeding and swelling of the gums are noted when using the device, you should immediately consult a dentist. The doctor will correct the pressure of the structure.
- The device is not used during active exercises, as it can provoke a serious facial injury. Particular attention is paid to the outside of the device. It is recommended to wear the facial arc in a dream while reading or watching TV. In particular, this recommendation applies to children, as they can injure the face with sudden movements.
- The safest devices are neck designs. In the presence of a number of indications, wearing a head-mounted device is required. In this case, great care is needed. Such devices are particularly dangerous during sleep, as they can easily come off and cause injury to the face. To avoid an accident, it is advised to sleep exclusively on your back, after checking the reliability of the mounting structure. So the probability of injury will be minimized.
If all precautions are followed, then wearing the facial arch will be absolutely safe and will allow you to achieve a high level of effectiveness in the field of tooth alignment and correcting the wrong bite in a short time.
Effective Model: Asa Dental 5032 Articulation Arc
The articulator with a front arch, the price of which is 22,900 rubles, is an ergonomic one-piece aluminum structure from an Italian manufacturer. The product is presented complete with bite forks and a table.
What is the advantage of an Asa Dental device? The facial arch makes it possible to arrange the model of the upper and lower jaw individually.
What indicators affect the cost of fixtures?
The following indicators affect the price of a structure:
- type of fixing device: head or cervical;
- the condition of the patient's oral cavity;
- patient age.
How much does it cost to install such a device as a dental articulator with a facial arch? The price is determined after a thorough examination of the patient and the study of images obtained using x-rays.
The orthodontic facial arch is versatile, but requires additional adjustment. Before installing the orthodontic arch, a panoramic picture of the oral cavity and an x-ray of both jaws are performed.
The price of the facial arch for children and adults varies. On average, the cost of treatment using the facial arch ranges from 2,500 to 9,000 rubles.
Conclusion
The articulator and the facial arch in dentistry are essential attributes. Devices help correct orthodontic imperfections, as well as make individual orthopedic designs.