A semi-automated tool for digital and mechanical articulators comparative analysis of condylar path elements

Digital workflows have revolutionized dentistry, especially when it comes to fabrication of complete dentures through Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) procedures. Digital articulators manage to simulate mandibular movements and are emerging as alternatives to mechanical articulators like the Gerber semi-adjustable model. Despite being a promising tool, digital articulators require refinement in order to grant consistent functionality and effective occlusal balance. The aim of this research is to present a semi-automated MATLAB tool designed to compare trajectories from different articulator types—digital versus analog—used in dental practice. Validation of the MATLAB tool compared to existing data demonstrates its reliability and effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses assess the tool's robustness under various settings. Results suggest optimal input parameters and settings ensuring precision. Future developments may include integrating anatomically-based reference systems and advanced metrics for rotational analysis of condylar path elements (CPEs), thereby enhancing digital dentistry potentialities. Ultimately, the semi-automated MATLAB tool represents a significant step towards improving dental occlusal analysis, bridging the gap between analog and digital methodologies and enabling comparison among these tools.