Apparatus and method for positioning dental arch to dental articulator

A positioning apparatus for simulating a position of a dental arch within an articulator, comprising:

• a first member that may be disposed on a support member of a dental articulator;
• a second member wherein the first member defines one of a projection and a groove and the second member defines the other of the projection and the groove such that the projection extends into the groove and the first and second member are movable relative to each other along the groove and along a first axis and wherein the second member defines a slot positioned along an arc path;
• a third member positioned within the slot and capable of sliding within the slot along the arc path, wherein the arc path of the slot is positioned spaced apart from a second axis and wherein the second axis is positioned perpendicular to the first axis;
• and
• a locating member associated with the second member wherein the locating member comprises an end, and wherein the end is adjustable relative to a surface of the second member,
• first and second adjustment members associated with the third member, wherein each of the first and second adjustment members comprises an end, and wherein each end is adjustable relative to a surface of the third member,
• a mounting member wherein one side of the mounting member defines first, second and third cavities adapted to receive the end of the locating member and the first and second adjustment members, and wherein the mounting member comprises another side adapted to receive a maxillary tray, and
• a maxillary tray comprising three radio opaque members positioned wherein the first, second and third radio opaque members are positionable to respectively overlie the first, second and third cavities of the mounting member.