DEVICE FOR MAKING, DUPLICATING AND FIXING DENTAL MODELS IN ARTCULATOR

Abstract

A device for making, duplicating and fixing dental models in articulator, using dental replicas (19) of plaster or other material with bases (20) for the manufacture of dental models (18). The device incorporates at least three pins (3) that have elements to be embedded in the bases (20) in charge of said pins (3) for positioning and fixing the dental models (18) to platens (7) that have a minimum of three protruding protrusions (8) on its surface and arranged to fit with the pins (3) and, where appropriate, provide a releasable connection with the pins (3). The platens (7) are attached to the articulator (1) with a height or ratio (h) between protrusions (8) of the platens (7), upper and lower, preset and reproducible.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A dentistry device for making, duplicating and fixing dental models in articulator for use with a dental replicas (19) made of plaster or other material, upper and lower, adjusted to accurately reproduce a patient's bite, allowing creation and use of a pair of articulated and related dental models (18) in an existing articulator by adding some bases (20) and pins (3) to said dental replicas (19), the pins (3) have fixing means to said bases (20) and by platens (7) that have protruding from their surface, arranged in position to join said pins (3) and make a separable connection with the pins (3), keeping said elements (8) of each arm of said articulator (1), wherein: the dentistry device comprises at least three of said pins (3) and a minimum of three fixing elements (8), said pins (3) have a protrusion or lower cavity (17) for centering in the body of said fixing element (8) that respectively has one of a cavity and antagonistic protrusion; the dentistry device comprises a tray (2), made of relatively elastic material, such as rubber, configured for emptying or pouring plaster or material to make a mold for duplicates, which is a container in the bottom of which there are one or more holes (12), said fixing elements (8) fitting in said holes (12) and in which said pins (3) are fixedly placed by said fixing elements (8) thereby plugging said holes (12); said articulator (1) further having in its arms base surfaces (5) aimed at receiving said platens (7), also having stops (11) to a maximum closure of the articulator, in which said arms are arranged in a position parallel to one another thus maintaining a separation or height (h) or a “master” predefined between the end surfaces of said magnets or fixing elements (8) of said platens (7); the dentistry device further comprises a double positioner (4) formed by a hollow body inside which said dental replicas (19) are arranged and adjusted to the patient's bite; the dentistry device further comprises a platen positioner (25) that has two extreme parallel surfaces, formed by planes in a shape of a geometric figure with a minimum of three vertices, there being in each of said vertices of both end surfaces a fixing and/or positioning element compatible with said fixing elements (8); and the dentistry device keeps said detachable connection in a pre-established and reproducible relationship.

16. A dentistry device for making, duplicating and fixing dental models in an articulator for use with a dental replicas (19) to accurately reproduce a patient's bite, allowing creation and use of a pair of articulated and related dental models (18) in the articulator by adding a base (20) and pins (3) to each of said dental replicas (19), the pins (3) being secured to said bases (20), and platens (7) have fixing elements (8) protrude from a surface and arranged to engage with said pins (3) and form a separable connection with the pins (3), wherein: the dentistry device comprises at least three of said pins (3) and a minimum of three fixing elements (8), said pins (3) have one of a protrusion or a lower cavity (17) for centering in the body of said fixing element (8) that respectively has one of a cavity and antagonistic protrusion; the dentistry device comprises a tray (2), made of relatively elastic material, configured for emptying or pouring material to make a mold for the duplicates, the tray (2) is a container in which one or more holes (12) are formed in a bottom surface thereof, one of said fixing elements (8) is fitted in each of said holes (12) and in which said pins (3) are fixedly placed by said fixing elements (8) thereby plugging said holes (12); said articulator (1) further has in a base surface (5) designed for receiving one of said platens (7), also having stops (11) to a maximum closure of the articulator, said arms are arranged parallel to one another thus maintaining a separation or height (h) or a “master” height predefined between end surfaces of said fixing elements (8) of said platens (7); the dentistry device further comprises a double positioner (4) formed by a hollow body inside which said dental replicas (19) are arranged and adjusted to the patient's bite; the dentistry device further comprises a platen positioner (25) that has two extreme parallel surfaces, formed by planes in a shape of a geometric figure with a minimum of three vertices, and a fixing and/or positioning element, compatible with said fixing elements (8), is arranged in each of said vertices; and the dentistry device maintains said detachable connection in a pre-established and reproducible relationship.

17. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said fixing of said pins (3) to said bases (20) comprises pin interlocking elements (15) for embedding or fixing said pins (3) to said bases (20) of the dental models (18).

18. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said fixing elements (8) are magnets fixed on the platens (7) and configured to engage with said pins (3), the magnets have reverse polarities if the pins (3) and fixing elements (8) are magnets, and/or having cavities or lugs and/or protrusions that are antagonists to make a separable mechanical connection.

19. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein the fixing elements (8) and the pins (3) make a box and tenon joint, said protrusions (8) fit into the shapes of said pins (3), or conversely, creating between said three pins and protrusions (3 and 8) an adjustment plane between the platen (7) and the dental model (18).

20. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said tray (2) has a recess (13) on its lower face, and said recess (13) is configured for placement of said platen (7).

21. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said tray (2) has an internal perimeter socket configured for fixing a projection (6) of said platen (7), due to the elasticity.

22. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said articulator (1) has horizontal support shelves (26).

23. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said double positioner (4) has fasteners (21) with an ability to rotate relative to said horizontal axis (10) of said articulator (1).

24. The dentistry device according to claim 23, wherein said double positioner (4), joined to the articulator (1) by said fasteners (21), contacts in a horizontal position with said shelves (26) of said articulator (1).

25. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said fixing means (22) of said dental replicas (19), dynamically adjusted in said double positioner (4), comprising silicone, tips (22), nails or screws of suitable dimensions, also using an adhesive, such as wax or silicone, in order to ensure immobility of said dental replicas (19).

26. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said platen positioner (25) has a one of centering protrusion or a cavity, and the height of said positioner (25) is equal to a relationship (h) or “master” of said articulator (1).

27. The dentistry device according to claim 16, wherein said positioner for the duplicate mold (27) has a centering protrusion or cavity, and the height of said positioner is about half or less than half of that of said height (h) or “master” of said articulator (1).

Description

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE GRAPHICS

[0032] For a better understanding of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by five sheets of graphics, provided by way of illustration and not limitation of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of an embodiment of the present invention showing an articulator in the closed position and a pair of articulated dental models, that is, it reproduces the specific bite of a patient.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the articulator in its closed position with its arms in maximum proximity position, showing the platens on each arm of said articulator. A “master” height or (h) is indicated, which is the distance between the protrusions or magnets of the platens.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of an articulator in its open position in which a tray with pins is on one arm, while on the other and removably on its platen is an upper dental model and the lower dental replica, adjusted to each other and reproducing the bite, to transform said lower dental replica into a dental model.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a top perspective representation of a rubber tray or basin in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a representation, bottom view, of the tray of the preceding figure.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a sectioned perspective view of a platen positioned in the lower part of the tray whose protrusions or magnets go through the holes in said tray, and pins that seal the holes to receive the plaster cast and make the dental model or its duplicate and the assembly in an articulator.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a characteristic pin of the present invention in one of its preferred embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a dental model created in accordance with the present invention. The characteristic pins of the aforementioned can be seen protruding from the plaster base.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective of a platen incorporating a minimum of three fixing and positioning elements according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the graphics of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective representation of a platen positioner of the present invention, in one of its possible embodiments, which reproduces the height or ratio (h) or “master” of the articulator of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective representation of an embodiment of a positioner for the duplicate mold according to the present invention, in one of its possible embodiments, which reproduces an approximate relation to (h/2), half or less than half of said height “master” (h) of the preceding figure.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective representation of an articulator according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the upper dental model is removably linked to the three magnets or protrusions of the upper platen of the articulator and the bottom platen is instead empty showing the three magnets or protrusions that protrude from its surface.

[0045] FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a double positioner for dental replicas, in this case showing tips used to fix the dental replicas therein.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an articulator in an open position and with the positioner for the duplicating mold on a platen, while on the other arm is the duplicating tray with the dental model to be duplicated.

[0047] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an assembled dental articulator with the dual positioner and the upper and lower dental casts. The section allows to appreciate the setting of each item. The lower arm of the articulator shows the tray used in FIG. 3. The two dental models are also seen, each consisting of the dental replica, the plaster base, and the pins.

[0048] The platens, pins and fixation elements can be appreciated in such a way that the independence of the dental models from the platens and the articulator itself is visible, according to the present invention.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present invention consists of a device for making, duplicating and fixing dental models (18) in dental articulators, of the type of plaster models or other material, within the field of dentistry, including a dental articulator (1), platens (7) with protrusions or magnets (8), trays (2), pins (3), a platen positioner (25), a double positioner for dental replicas (4), and a positioner for the duplicate mold (27)

[0050] The dental articulator (1) consists of a mechanism that has two arms (5) to which are removably attached some platens (7) spaced apart and attached to a vertical central stem (9), said stem (9) being articulated with the ability to rotate around a horizontal axis (10) so that the platens (7) have the ability to approach or move away from each other. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 show said dental articulator (1) with the platens (7) in the maximum approach position, while FIG. 3 shows said articulator (1) in an open position and with the platens (7) separated to the maximum.

[0051] The dental articulator (1) has a mechanism for limiting the closure or approximation of said platens (7) by means of antagonist stops (11) located on each arm of the dental articulator (1). Unlike the embodiment shown in the figures, many other ways of making said stops are possible without altering the essence of the invention. For example, adjustable screws, vertical cylindrical projections on each arm, etc.

[0052] In this position of maximum approach of the articulator arms, the separation between the protrusions or magnets (8) of said platens (7), upper and lower, determine a fixed height or relationship (h) for the articulator, which is called in this description “master” height. This “master” height, or (h), is the point of contact between the pins (3) of the dental models (8) and the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platen (7), which are a minimum of three points for each platen (7) that define a plane each. The relationship between these two planes defined by a minimum of three points on each platen (7) will be used to adapt this method of making, duplicating and fixing dental models (18) to any articulator, thanks to the platen positioner (25) that reproduces the “master” (h) relationship, as well as any CAD/CAM design and manufacturing process, as will be described later.

[0053] The dental articulator (1), particular of the present invention, also incorporates shelves or supports (26) for holding the double-positioner (4) of dental replicas (19), so that the preparation of dental models (18) and assembly in the articulator (1) is easy, clean and centered (FIGS. 13 and 15). Also, the invention incorporates a positioner for the mold for duplicating (27) the dental models (18), to facilitate both the preparation and the positioning and fixation of the duplicated dental model (18) thanks to the tray (2) and the connection between the pins (3) and the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platens (7) of the articulator (1), all in the same process, as will be described later, when analyzing FIGS. 11 and 14.

[0054] The starting point of the invention is the use of dental replicas (19) until they become dental models (18) (or their duplicates) with their base (20) with pins (3), and mounted or fixed to magnets or protrusions (8) from the platens (7) on the articulator. In a first embodiment, the case of obtaining it by manual means is dealt with. In another possible embodiment, these replicas (19) can be obtained from the patient's teeth by means of a digitization process and the subsequent 3D fabrication (CAD/CAM) of the dental models (18).

[0055] It should be taken into account that, in the state of the art, the assembly of the replica plus its base (capping process) is called a dental model. In the present invention, on the other hand, since the base and assembly are completed in the same process, the pins (3) are inserted into the base (20) of the dental model (18). Therefore and distinctively, in the present invention, a dental model (18) includes the dental replica (19), the plaster base (20) and the pins (3) that are embedded in said base (20), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8.

[0056] The manual process first obtains a dental impression of each dental arch of the patient, teeth and gums, usually made of alginate, silicone, etc., which is a negative of the denture. The next step is the casting of said dental impression with plaster to obtain a dental replica (19) in plaster. This dental replica (19), upper and lower, of the teeth must be completed with a base (20) that allows making the dental models (18), to assemble, fix or mount them, by combining the pins (3) and the tray (2), to the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platens (7) of the dental articulator, in the same and only process.

[0057] The particular tray (2) of the present invention acts in combination with the pins (3) also characteristic of the invention and with the platens (7) with a minimum of three protrusions or magnets (8), in a configuration that is unique and also characteristic of the invention.

[0058] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the characteristics of the tray (2). It has holes (12) that pass through its bottom and a lower recess (13) suitable for the insertion of a platen (7). As shown in the section of FIG. 6, the magnets or protrusions (8) of said platen (7) protrude therefrom it and occupy said holes (12), while on the upper and internal part of the tray (2) the pins (3) that plug said holes (12) are arranged, preventing that, when pouring the casting onto the tray, the plaster for making the dental mold (18) or the material for making the mold for the duplicate thereof, from pouring through said holes (12) towards the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platen (7) of the articulator. The linking of these elements prevents the material used to create the base (20) of the dental model (18) or its duplicate (the same one used for the assembly), from contacting the platen (7), the magnets (8) or the articulator, thus facilitating the process of making, duplicating and mounting the dental models (18) in the articulator, thereby keeping all the elements clean and centered, and reducing the time and resources used with respect to the state of the art.

[0059] The platen (7) fits in the lower recess (13) and in the holes of the tray (2) and thanks to the relative elasticity of the material of said tray (2), its projection (6) is inserted into an internal perimeter socket of the lower recess (13) of the tray (2), it being securely fixed, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 15.

[0060] The pins (3) of this preferred embodiment, such as those shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, are metallic or magnetized plastic, have a base built with the exact measurements to fit and plug the holes (12) of the tray (2) and fixing means in the plaster, such as nails, tabs or an annular base (15), the wall of the pin itself, cavities and/or projections or protrusions of said base.

[0061] This example, shown in FIG. 7, has a lower protrusion (17) or a centering protrusion on the body of the protrusion or magnet (8) which respectively has an opposing shape.

[0062] In another possible embodiment of said pins (3), they can be magnetized or be magnets. It is understood that the sign of their polarity is inverse to that of the protuberances or magnets (8) to which they have to be attached. In that embodiment, not only a strong bond is obtained, but also oriented and centered by the orientation of the flux of the respective magnetic fields.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a base (20) of a dental model (18) made thanks to the tray (2), characteristic of the present invention, which has three pins (3) incorporated into its surface. The invention uses at least three pins (3), as contact, fixing and positioning elements between the base (20) of the dental model (18) and the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platen (7) of the articulator (FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0064] It should be noted in particular that three points unequivocally define a plane, so that once the base (20) has been created and is adhered to the dental replica (19), said base (20) having the pins (3) installed therein, when making the dental model (18) of the present invention, said assembly reproduces a precise plane in its relationship with the platen (7) and its three protrusions or magnets (8), and with its platen (7) and opposed magnets (8), that is, the dental models (18) are related within the predetermined (h) or “master” relationship, and is reproducible in any articulator or CAD/CAM design software.

[0065] Thus, the dynamic relationships of the dental models (18) of the patient have been fixed, also allowing said dental models (18) to be separated from the platens (7) of the articulator and to join them again, contacting the pins (3) with the magnets (8) of the platen (7), and said union will always reproduce the dynamic relationships of the dental models (18) that are implicit in the pins (3) embedded in their incorporated bases (20).

[0066] It is particularly noticeable, as can be seen from FIG. 8 and can be appreciated in FIGS. 1, 12 and 15, that the bases (20) of the dental models (18) are not in direct contact with the platens (7), there existing when magnets (8) and pins (3) join a gap between dental model (18) and platen (7), which is determined by the thickness of the base or bottom of the tray (2) with which it has been made and mounted the dental model (18) or its duplicate. The relationship between magnets (8) of the platen (7), pins (3) and the bases (20) of the dental models (18) and that houses the dynamic relationships built with the articulator to create the relationship between the two dental models (18) with respect to the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platen (7), only lies in these protrusions, there being formed at least a minimum of three contact areas between magnets (8) and pins (3) that define with precision and without interference from other additional points, the joint plane of each dental model (18) in relation to the height (h) or “master”, said height being predetermined and reproducible in any articulator or CAD/CAM software.

[0067] This construction improves the known art in that the use of contact surfaces, more or less flat, which leads to a minimum impurity misaligning the reference plane, which will subsequently result in a deficient prosthesis in the patient. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to keep neither the articulator nor the platens to maintain the intermaxillary relationship of the dental models, since this relationship is implicit in the pins (3) embedded in the base (20) of the dental model (18) made by means of the present invention. This implies less associated costs and requires less space for the transport or storage of dental models (18), since their volume decreases considerably with respect to the prior state of the art.

[0068] There are different procedures to make the dental models (18), that is, the union of the dental replicas (19), of the upper and lower teeth, to their bases (20) with pins (3), to be mounted on the articulator reproducing the bite of the patient, when the articulator is closed, by linking the pins (3) and the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platens (7) of the articulator. We now describe an example of a possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] The double positioner (4) of the dental replicas (19) allows, once the patient's bite has been reproduced, to fix it in a position centered on the articulator (1), so that said relationship is not altered while the bases are created (20) and the dental models (18) articulated and fixed by means of the three pins (3) to the magnets (8) of the platens (7) of the articulator (1) are built, in the same process. FIG. 13 illustrates said double positioning device (4) that consists of a rotating clamping part (21) that allows it to be linked rotatably to the axis (10) of the articulator (1); it also has respective elements for fixing the dental replica (19) to the device, such as any fixing material (silicone, plasticine, etc.), tips (22) or nails, of suitable dimensions that are put in contact with the replica dental (19) and attached thereto with an adhesive, for example wax or silicone. The union of said tips (22) to the double positioner (4) is also fixed in the same way or or by means of threading mechanisms.

[0070] The double positioning assembly (4), by fixing the dental replicas (19), allows to work comfortably to make and assemble the two dental models (18) articulated with the bite by means of the pins (3) embedded in their bases (20) to the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platens (7) of the articulator (1). In other words, it enables the bases (20) of the dental replicas (19) to be made and the articulator assembly (1) of the two dental models (18) (upper and lower) in a single operation. To do this, it is placed on each arm (5) of the articulator (1) the platen (7) with its magnets (8) at the height (h), protruding from its surface, said platen (7) being fitted in the lower recess (13) of a tray (2), and in the internal and upper part of said trays (2), the pins (3) are fitted in the holes (12) and in contact with said magnets (8). The articulator (1) is opened and a plaster casting is then poured into each tray (2) onto the pins (3) and once the plaster casting has set sufficiently, but still maintaining sufficient plasticity, the articulator (1) can be closed, reproducing the relationship (h), thus creating the respective bases (20), upper and lower, this keeping the plaster from coming off or falling and leaving the pins (3) embedded in the bases (20) of the dental model (21) and positioned and magnetically fixed to the magnets (8) of the platen (7) of the articulator (1).

[0071] When the double positioner (4) is linked by its clamping element (21) to the rotation axis (10) of the articulator (1) and is placed in a horizontal position, for example when closing the articulator (1), as seen in FIG. 1, it rests on the shelf (26) of the articulator (1); In this position the dental replicas (19) that carry said double positioner (4) adhere to the plaster of each tray (2) and to the pins (3), creating the dental models (18) that, constructively contain the dynamic relationship of the denture as it has been made in the double positioner (4), thus leaving the dental models (18) perfectly clean and centered in the articulator (1).

[0072] Naturally, the dental models (18) can be made in a double step, as can be seen in FIG. 3. First, the upper dental model (18) is made and mounted. Next, the bite of the lower dental replica (19) is reproduced with the upper dental model (18), which is previously mounted to the platen (7) of the articulator. A tray (2) must now be placed on the platen (7) located on the opposing arm of the articulator, the tray (2) being prepared as in the previous example, with the platen (7) in its lower recess (13), the protrusions or magnets (8) and pins (3) in mutual contact, the latter plugging the holes (12) of the tray (2). The plaster cast is poured inside the tray (2) and onto the pins (3), the articulator is closed up to the “master” or (h) relationship and, when the cast sets, the “just created” lower dental model (18) is separated from the platen and the tray (2). In this way, it is achieved that when repositioning the dental model (18) onto the platen (7), the pins (3) of the base (20) of the dental model (18) are the only ones that contact the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platen (7) of the articulator.

[0073] In summary of the above, the professional must establish the dynamic relationship of the desired teeth, the patient's bite, between the dental replicas (19), upper and lower, close the articulator so that the lower part of the dental replica (19) sinks into the plaster, thus joining to its own base (20) with the pins (3) and together forming the dental models (18) articulated and related to each other with respect to the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platens (7) of the articulator and always within the relation “master” (h). In both processes, and thanks to the fixing and positioning system between pins (3), tray (2) and magnets (8) of the platen (7), the same plaster cast that is used to make the base (20) of the dental replica (19), is the one that is attached to the pins (3) to make, fix and position the dental model (18). This casting is the same as one used as a plaster for mounting the articulator, since the pins are the only ones that are in contact with the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platen (7) of the articulator, thus saving the double process known in the prior state of the art, of preparing the base of the dental model and assembling it in an articulator in two processes or plaster castings.

[0074] As stated in the section describing the advantages obtained with the present invention, one of them is that it allows the use of articulators currently on the market, other than the articulator (1) of the present invention. This makes it possible to make dental models (18) or use those obtained by means of the articulator (1) of the present invention in different articulators, with the only condition that the separation between their articulated arms is greater than the height or “master” (h) relationship defined between the plates (7) of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 10 shows a platen positioner (25) having the “master” height (h) of the articulator (1). It has at least three vertices, each one of them containing a surface coinciding with the underside of the pins (3), which would be attached to the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platen (7). That is, the platens (7) can be mounted with their magnets (8) centered on themselves. Since its height is the “master” (h), attached to platens (7) on the outside, the one that does not contact in the lower recess (13) of the tray (2), a plaster can be created that adapts each articulator to cover that height. For example, a layer of fixed plaster can be created between the arms of an articulator or platens on the market and a pair of platens (7) connected to the platen positioner (25).

[0076] This type of adapter allows the dental models (18) created with the present invention to be used in any of the known, indeed on the condition that they have greater separation between the arms than the “master” (h) of the platens (7) from the articulator (1). At the same time, once any articulator has been adapted to the present invention, and as long as the platens (7) remain in it, dental models (18) can be made from dental replicas, (19), or their duplicates, in this articulator, that is, the capping, duplication and assembly of the dental models (18) in the same process and in any articulator. This is thanks to the “master” (h) relationship of the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platens (7) and their use linked with the tray (2) and the pins (3) to the bases (20) of the dental models (18).

[0077] The invention, as previously stated, allows the use of dental replicas obtained by scanning the mouth, CAD/CAM software and 3D manufacturing of dental models (18). It is, succinctly, a process of creating the bases of union of said pins (3) to the dental replicas (19), obtained by means of an intra-oral scanner, so that they can be linked to the magnets (8) of the platen (7) to the articulator (1) or to any existing platen or articulator on the market. To do this, it is necessary to previously enter the relationship “master” (h) in the design software, which allows positioning and relating the two virtual platens (7). Next, once the virtual replicas are centered, their bases (20) are related to the virtual pins (3) thus creating the virtual dental model (18) without the pins.

[0078] Once the dental replica (19) with its base (20) has been manufactured, without the pins (3), using CAD/CAM from the virtual model, the pins (3) are placed on the bases (20) and the dental model (18) is created, and the latter can already be positioned to the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platen (7) in the articulator (1) or in any previously adapted articulator by means of the platen positioner (25). The production procedure can be the one previously described for the manual obtaining of a dental model (18), thus benefiting from the standardization of the dental models (18) obtained by the present invention, which allows the use of a large number of already existing articulators and the independence of the dental model (18) from the articulator to which it can be mounted and from which it can be detached, without losing the mechanical relationships previously established in the dental model (18).

[0079] The information of the three-dimensional plane of the dental model (18) with respect to the protrusions or magnets (8) of the platens (7) within the relation “master” (h) is available thanks to a minimum of three pins (3) embedded in the base (20) of the dental model (18). The “master” (h) relationship between the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platens (7) allows the adaptation of the present invention to any articulator or CAD/CAM design software.

[0080] Another embodiment of the present invention refers to the duplication of dental models (18). This in the known art is a time consuming and tedious task to perform. The duplicate cast is made first, and then the duplicate casts are mounted in the articulator. They are two different processes. In the present invention it can be greatly simplified. Briefly, by means of a suitable tray, as the one shown in FIG. 14, with sufficient wall height, but with the structure of the tray (2), represented in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. With this tray, a negative copy or mold of the dental model (18) to be duplicated can be made.

[0081] The tray (2) is positioned thanks to its recess (13) on the platen (7) of the articulator with the magnets (8) passing through the holes (12) of the tray (2) and the dental model (18) is fixed by its pins (3), as shown in FIG. 14. The positioner of the duplicate mold (27), which has a minimum of three pins (3) is located on top of the magnets (8) of the antagonist platen (7). Inside the tray (2), with the dental model (18) to be duplicated fixed and positioned by means of the pins (3) to the magnets or protrusions (8) of the platen (7), the material is poured to make the mold for the creation of the duplicate, for example, silicone, and the articulator is closed as far as the “master” (h) relationship, and until it reaches the irregularities of the positioner of the duplicate mold (27) and, when the silicone sets, the dental model (18) is removed and a negative or mold of the dental model is obtained fixed to the irregularities of the positioner of the mold for duplication (27), with its pins (3) at its base (20) already fixed and positioned at the magnets (8) of the platen (7) of the articulator.

[0082] Next, the pins (3) are placed on the magnets (8) of the antagonist platen (7), and subsequently the mold is filled with material to duplicate the dental model (18), for example, coating plaster, and the articulator is closed as far as the stop that defines the master height (h) until the pins (3) placed on the magnets (8) of the opposing platen (7) are embedded in the base of the material used to duplicate the dental model (18). In this way, the base (20) of the duplicated dental model (18) is made, and the same is positioned and fixed by means of the pins (3) embedded in its base (20) to the magnets (8) of the platens (7) of the articulator, in a single process.

[0083] The examples described in this specification are mere illustrations of the use and realization of the device described in claim 1. It is understood that in the present case, any and all details and shape finishes do not alter or modify the essence of the invention may be vary, it being possible other realization embodiments and uses that are considered to be included in the invention. The additional claims describe those forms and embodiments within the invention.