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. Until now, this was usually done using a rigid standard alignment that does not correspond to the actual opening and closing movement of the jaw.1 A virtual articulator, on the other hand, replicates the actual, individual jaw movement of the patient. This makes it possible to bring the bite into a healthy, joint-friendly position already during the planning phase.
Digital Joint Registration
To do this, the movement of the lower jaw is recorded using a digital measurement system. Two small sensors on the teeth record how the jaw moves when opening and closing.2 This data is combined with the 3D scan of the teeth. The result: The orthodontist can determine whether the temporomandibular joints have sufficient space3and 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 discomfort in the temporomandibular joints (TMD) and worn front teeth. Her dental arches were asymmetric and narrow, individual front teeth were tipped, and the necessary support in the posterior tooth region was missing. The digital joint measurement showed that the right temporomandibular joint in particular did not have sufficient space.4 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 during planning5 and the tooth movement was implemented step by step with clear aligners. The treatment consisted of eight steps, each with two aligners of different thicknesses. Small auxiliary elements on the teeth supported the planned movements. A 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 free of symptoms, and the subsequent control measurement showed a healthy, physiological movement pattern of the temporomandibular joints again.6 The teeth were harmoniously aligned in a stable bite. You can find a detailed patient case in 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
Sources
- Kordaß, B., Gärtner, C., Söhnel, A., Bisler, A., Voß, G., Bockholt, U., & Seipel, S. (2002). The virtual articulator in dentistry: Concept and development. Dental Clinics of North America, 46(3), 493–506. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-8532(02)00006-X
- Ahlers, M. O., Bernhardt, O., Jakstat, H. A., et al. (2015). Motion analysis of the mandible: Guidelines for standardized analysis of computer-assisted recording of condylar movements. International Journal of Computerized Dentistry, 18, 201–223.
- Christiansen, G. (2010). Computer-aided measurement of the functional joint space of the temporomandibular joint. Journal of Craniomandibular Function, 2, 329–343.
- Schupp, W., Boisserée, W., Haubrich, J., Hermens, E., Grunert, I., Rottler, A., & Meyer, U. (2015). Diagnostische Verfahren im kraniomandibulären System. Manuelle Medizin, 53(1), 47–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00337-014-1174-5
- Christiansen, G. (2023). Development of the controlled mandibular positioning procedure. Journal of Aligner Orthodontics, 7(3), 185–194.
- Kordaß, B., & Ruge, S. (2015). On the analysis of condylar path versus real motion of the temporomandibular joint: Application for Sicat Function. International Journal of Computerized Dentistry, 18, 225–235.
Your orthodontist in Cologne!
Schedule your no-obligation consultation at JUST KFO – Dr. Steinmaier & Kollegen in Cologne.
