Reproducibilidad de los movimientos funcionales excéntricos evaluados mediante articulador analógico semiajustable vs un articulador virtual

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the reproducibility of functional eccentric mandibular movements by comparing a semi-adjustable analog articulator (Whip-Mix 2240) with a virtual articulator using Exocad software, within the field of oral rehabilitation. Materials and methods: Each patient underwent both analog and virtual articulator mounting, recording left and right lateral movements as well as maximum protrusion. An observational cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with a sample of 12 patients from the Dental Clinic at Universidad Santo Tomás, Bucaramanga campus. Objective: Reproducibility of eccentric functional movements evaluated by means of a whip-mix 2240 semi-adjustable analog articulator vs. a virtual articulator used in the area of oral rehabilitation. Results: were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Findings revealed excellent agreement for right and left lateral movements (ICC = 0.931 and 0.969, respectively), confirming the virtual articulator's precision in reproducing these motions. In contrast, maximum protrusion showed only moderate agreement (ICC = 0.487) and was not statistically significant, indicating higher variability in this movement. Conclusions: Virtual articulators proved to be a reliable and efficient technological alternative to traditional analog methods, offering advantages such as reduced material usage, enhanced clinician-technician communication, and optimized digital workflow through CAD/CAM systems. However, limitations were identified related to operator experience, highlighting the need for larger-scale studies to support the broader clinical application of this digital approach.