National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is a dental laboratory device that replicates the movement of the TMJ called?

1. Mounting jig

2. Articulator

3. Oclusal analyzer

4. Facebow

The correct answer is: Articulator

An articulator is a dental laboratory device that accurately simulates the movement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This device is crucial in the field of dentistry for creating prosthetic appliances and dental restorations, as it helps in determining the relationship of dental casts in relation to each other and in relation to the patient's jaw movements. By using an articulator, dental professionals can assess the occlusion and functional movements of the jaw, which is essential for ensuring that dental restorations fit properly and function harmoniously with the patient's natural bite. Articulators come in various designs, some of which can replicate complex movements, while others might be simpler and used for more straightforward cases. The other choices refer to different dental tools or devices with specific purposes. A mounting jig is typically used to mount dental casts on the articulator but does not replicate TMJ movement itself. An occlusal analyzer is primarily used to measure occlusal forces and assess how the teeth come together but does not simulate jaw movement. A facebow is a device used to transfer the relationship of the dental arch to the cranial reference points, but it is not a device that replicates TMJ movement like an articulator does.