Previously, digital aligner planning was mostly limited to the central occlusion. This article shows how the actual opening and closing movement of the mandible is incorporated.
Integration of the real mandibular movement into virtual aligner treatment planning (2025 update).
Digital Joint Registration: The Path to a Natural Bite in Six Steps
This summary outlines a key technique in modern aligner orthodontics: the virtual articulator. It allows the individual jaw movement to be considered during digital treatment planning, so that the bite at the end of treatment rests in a healthy, joint-friendly position. You can find the detailed article with treatment examples on our page about the virtual articulator in aligner orthodontics.
Why Jaw Movement Is Included in Planning
If aligner planning assumes only a rigid standard bite position, the planned tooth position may deviate from the actual movement of the jaw. Over time, this can strain the temporomandibular joints and lead to disorders (TMD). Digital joint registration instead captures the real, individual movement – the foundation for a functionally healthy bite. Learn more on our page about TMD treatment.
The Process in Six Steps
- Scanning the dental arches: The dentition is captured in 3D using a contactless intraoral scanner.
- Digital joint registration: Sensors record the individual opening and closing movement of the lower jaw.
- Determining the healthy joint position: The physiological position of the temporomandibular joints is determined from the data.
- Aligning the data: Joint movement and 3D scan are merged in the planning software.
- Simulation on the virtual articulator: Tooth movements are planned while considering the actual jaw movement.
- Fabrication of the aligners: Based on this planning, the clear aligners are produced.
This is how function-oriented planning combines beautiful results with healthy ones. Learn more about treatment with clear aligners on our dedicated page.
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