To ensure the computer-based aligner planning corresponds to the actual jaw movement, a virtual articulator is used. This article explains how the real mandibular movement is digitally captured and incorporated into the planning.
Virtual articulator with digital motion recording (Digital Motion Decoder) in aligner planning.
Function-Oriented Aligner Planning: When the Final Bite Is Included from the Start
Successful tooth correction means more than just straightening teeth. It is equally important that the teeth meet properly at the end and that the temporomandibular joints are relieved of stress. This article describes how a “virtual articulator” can be used to incorporate individual jaw movement into digital planning—and demonstrates this with a real treatment case involving temporomandibular joint symptoms.
Update: In 2025, an updated summary on this topic was published in Quintessenz Zahntechnik – The Virtual Articulator in Aligner Orthodontics – Update 2025.
What a Virtual Articulator Is
In computer-based aligner planning, the upper and lower jaws are virtually positioned in relation to each other. Previously, this was usually done using a rigid standard positioning that does not correspond to the actual opening and closing movement of the jaw. A virtual articulator, on the other hand, replicates the actual, individual jaw movement of the patient. This allows the bite to be brought into a healthy, joint-friendly position already during the planning stage.
Digital Joint Registration
For this purpose, the movement of the lower jaw is recorded using a digital measuring system. Two small sensors attached to the teeth record how the jaw moves during opening and closing. This data is merged with the 3D scan of the teeth. The result: The orthodontist can see whether the temporomandibular joints have sufficient freedom of movement and can plan the aligners so that the bite ends up in a relieving position.
A Treatment Example
The Initial Situation
A 39-year-old patient presented with significant symptoms in the temporomandibular joints (TMD) and worn front teeth. Her dental arches were asymmetric and narrow, individual front teeth were tilted, and there was insufficient support in the posterior tooth region. Digital joint measurement showed that the right temporomandibular joint in particular did not have sufficient space. You can read more about temporomandibular joint disorders on our page about TMD treatment.
The treatment process
Based on the joint measurement, the bite was brought into a physiological position in the planning and the tooth movement was implemented step by step using clear aligners. The treatment comprised eight steps, each with two aligners of different thicknesses. Small attachments on the teeth supported the planned movements. One front tooth that was no longer in the correct position was minimally adjusted in shape at the end.
The Result
After only 16 weeks, the patient was symptom-free, and the subsequent control measurement showed a healthy, physiological movement pattern of the temporomandibular joints again. The teeth were in harmony in a stable bite. You can find a detailed patient example on our blog.
What this case demonstrates
The combination of clear aligners and function-oriented planning with a virtual articulator makes it possible to achieve not only esthetic but also functionally healthy treatment results – especially for patients with temporomandibular disorders. A specific patient case: our treatment example Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Resolved with Aligners
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