ARTICULATING PAPER Meaning and
Definition
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Articulating paper is a specialized type of paper utilized in dentistry to check and adjust a patient's bite. It is commonly used during dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and denture fittings. This thin and flexible paper is coated with a colored substance, usually red or blue, that leaves marks when pressure is applied.
The purpose of articulating paper is to identify any irregularities or interferences in the bite, also known as occlusion, which is the way the upper and lower teeth come together. When a patient bites down on the paper, the colored marks left behind indicate areas of uneven contact between the teeth. By identifying these high spots or discrepancies, dentists can make adjustments to ensure a proper bite alignment and prevent further complications such as premature wearing down of teeth, pain, or jaw issues.
Articulating paper is available in various thicknesses, allowing for different levels of sensitivity and precision. Thicker papers are more suitable for identifying larger discrepancies, while thinner papers can detect even the slightest interferences. Dentists often utilize articulating paper with an accompanying horseshoe-shaped holder, which helps to control and direct the patient's bite force during the assessment process.
Overall, articulating paper serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, providing dentists with important information about a patient's bite to ensure proper treatment and enhance oral health.
Etymology of ARTICULATING PAPER
The word "articulating paper" is derived from the Latin root word "articulus", which means joint or articulation. In dentistry, articulating paper refers to a thin paper used to check the contact points between teeth when a patient bites down. It was named articulating paper because it helps to analyze and adjust the occlusion or the way the upper and lower teeth come together to form a bite.
