Recently a doctor contacted me looking for parts for her older Denar articulators. As we went over the parts she needed, one of the parts was the latch spring for the DENAR D5A (part # 110157-1). The spring that had broken and needed replacement. After further discussion, we discovered she also needed a spring for another instrument, the DG100 (part of the Gnathomatic System). This articulator is over 20 years old. I was unsure if something as simple as a latch spring was available in this case.
As normal, I contacted our helpful team at Whip Mix West, and as luck would have it, part # 110157-1 would actually work on the DG100 as well as the D5A. In this case, turning over every rock resulted in a very happy doctor able to get a little more life out of a vintage articulator.
Not all parts are interchangeable nor are there parts available for every old articulator. If the Articulator is older than 10 years, it may not have parts. If it is a model that we currently manufacture, it most likely will have parts, even if it’s older than ten years. It is always is a wise idea to ask technical support.
Many times the owner of the articulator will not know what model it is and will just refer to it as a DENAR, a HANAU or a Whip Mix. In this case, it is always helpful if you take and send photographs of the instrument. These photos should be of the entire instrument, both front and back. In addition, just the condyle area with any markings, including measurement markings.
Unfortunately, the number pressed into the articulator does not give us the model or make of the articulator. This number is unique and is to make sure that the upper and the lower halves of the articulator match for calibration.
Older articulators are great to keep active; however, newer versions or completely new instruments have the updated research and engineering behind them and current parts! New Articulators should be considered for current dentistry.
In the meantime, check out this popular webinar on articulators and occlusion. There are very few technicians that won't get something new and useful out of it. Enjoy!
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