Method and apparatus for positioning maxillary and mandibular arch models for forming a gnathological positioner

A method of positioning a maxillary arch model and a mandibular arch model with respect to each other for forming a gnathological positioner, said method comprising the steps of:

• mounting said maxillary arch model and said mandibular arch model in an articulator in a three dimensional orientation about an articulator axis substantially corresponding to the three dimensional orientation of the maxillary arch and mandibular arch of a patient about a mandibular hinge axis;
• intruding selected teeth of each arch model to eliminate any vertical discrepancy between centric relation and centric occlusion;
• removing one of said maxillary arch model and said mandibular arch model from said articulator;
• mounting a mechanically adjustable occlusal guide plane to said articulator;
• three demensionally adjusting said occlusal guide plane to the plane of occlusion of the other of said maxillary arch model and said mandibular arch model mounted on said articulator;
• adjusting each tooth of said other model against said occlusal guide plane;
• removing said occlusal guide plane from said articulator;
• remounting said one arch model on said articulator;
• setting each tooth of said one arch model into centric relation occlusion with said other arch model;
• discluding rotationally about said articulator axis said maxillary arch model and said mandibular arch model to a selected discluded position;
• and
• forming an impression between each model in said discluded position.