The Protar articulator and face-bow system is comprised of four separate articulators and the Arcus face-bows. Casts are easily and accurately transferred from one articulator model to another. The Protar is 6.4" H x 6.6" W x 8" D and weighs 2.5 lbs. The Protar 3 has an upper member with curved sagittal and pre-set condylar guidance paths, a 45° horizontal condylar inclination, and a 15° fixed Bennett angle. The Protar 5 has an upper member identical to the one in the Protar 3 with the exception that it has an adjustable Bennett angle and an adjustable horizontal condylar inclination (from -15 through +75 relative to Frankfort Horizontal [FH] plane). The Protar 7 has an upper member with adjustable sagittal angle and horizontal condylar paths as well as immediate sideshift and retrusion with an adjustable shift angle. Two types of modular upgrades are available for the Protar 7: Shift Angle Inserts that provide latero-protrusive and latero-retrusive movements on the working side and PDR Inserts that provide protrusion, distraction (subluxation) and retrusion of the condyle. The Protar 9 has an upper member identical to that of the Protar 7 with adjustable protrusion, distraction, and retrusion. Each articulator comes with an incisal pin, mounting plates, plane incisal guidance, support pin, mounting plate screw, and magnet wrench.
The Protar II is an articulator and face-bow system that allows accurate transfer of casts from one articulator to another. Compared to other brands of articulator, the Protar provides improved access to casts and is easier to adjust. Casts are easily mounted on magnetically-retained split-mount rings, and are mounted parallel to articulator frame, improving esthetic perception and eliminating space problems. Upper members with different features interchange with a universal lower member. Lower member frame posts are curved and set wide apart for improved access to lingual areas. The articulator is designed in relation to Camper’s’ plane, which also facilitates visibility and mounting. Evaluators tested the accuracy of cast transfers between five different Protar II articulators and found that the test pieces held shim stock at three separate points on all five articulators which indicates excellent accuracy. The ear pieces on the face-bow ensure accurate orientation to anatomical landmarks and the bite fork is rigid, easy to handle, and is tightened with a single knob. The Arcus bite fork and transfer joint are stainless steel and sterilizable. The incisal pin and face-bow is replaced by a mounting face-bow record with transfer stand. The bite fork and joint attaches to the transfer stand which is the preferred method for the laboratory. The incisal guide pin can be placed on either the upper or lower member and five types of incisal guidance are available: 20-, 30-, 40-, or 50-degree and adjustable. A custom incisal guide table can also be made using a recessed tray. The Protar II can be tilted back at a 45 angle for easier viewing. It is stable when inverted and does not require a support stand. Rubber feet also stabilize the articulator in all positions. The Protar II has three condylar settings. An optional compensating curve template is available for complete dentures. The articulator can be used with other types of face-bows.
The Protar II is more expensive than other popular articulators and the face bow is sold separately. Custom condylar guidance can not be fabricated on the articulator.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
