We use articulators to help ‘mimic’ our patient’s jaw movements, to ultimately do less adjustments/revisions in the future.
But are digital articulators there yet? Or is analog king?
Or is digital dentistry just flashy tech with no real-world benefits?
Can a virtual articulator truly match the movements of your patient’s jaw?
Is a CBCT really better than a facebow—and WHEN should you use which?
In this cutting-edge episode with
Dr. Seth Atkins, we dive into the world of digital articulation—exploring how tools like virtual articulators, CBCT alignment, and 3D-printed provisionals are transforming clinical workflows.
You’ll learn how to combine analog wisdom with digital precision, improve lab communication, and make full-mouth rehabs more predictable and efficient than ever.
From mounting accuracy to motion capture, this episode is your ultimate guide to articulating smarter in the digital age.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT31Ecf_kDo
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Always send your lab the color version of your digital scan — the PLY file — not just the STL. STL shows shape, but PLY shows color — like markings and tissue detail. Ask your lab: “Are you seeing color, or do you need the PLY?”
Better scans = better results
Key Takeaways:
- Digital methods can enhance accuracy and patient outcomes → but only when used intentionally.
- Understanding both analog and digital techniques is crucial → they complement each other, not compete.
- Mentorship plays a significant role in advancing dental education → experience accelerates clinical confidence.
- Digital workflows can significantly reduce chair time → and improve patient comfort in the process.
- The integration of CBCT with digital workflows enhances diagnostics → giving clearer insight into static and functional relationships.
- Digital provisionals offer a cost-effective and efficient solution → saving time, money, and frustration for both dentist and patient.
- Axiography is essential for capturing patient motion accurately → because real movement matters more than assumptions.
Highlights of the Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 04:00 Protrusive Dental Pearl
- 05:32 Interview with Dr. Seth Atkins and his Journey into Digital Dentistry
- 08:06 The Evolution of Digital Articulation
- 13:38 Digital Workflow and Mentorship
- 20:01 Accuracy and Efficiency in Digital Dentistry
- 22:32 Static and Dynamic Relations in Digital Dentistry
- 31:01 Interjection 1
- 36:05 Practical Guidelines on Integrating CBCT
- 37:15 Interjection 2
- 40:59 Clinical Observations in Dental Rehabilitation
- 42:29 Interjection 3
- 45:21 Introduction to Axiography
- 46:40 Advancements in Digital Dentistry
- 49:33 3D Printing in Dental Practice
- 53:31 Motion Tracking on Digital Articulators
- 57:30 Cost Efficiency of Digital Tools
- 01:01:10 Alternatives to CBCT
- 01:05:52 Involvement with AES and Future Plans
📍 February 18–19, 2026 · Chicago, Illinois
Don’t miss Dr. Jaz Gulati and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim as featured speakers, presenting on “Occlusion Basics and Beyond.”
This episode meets GDC Outcome C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within clinical practice.
AGD Subject Code: 610 – Fixed Prosthodontics – Emerging techniques and technology
Aim: To provide a comprehensive understanding of how digital articulators can enhance clinical workflows, improve occlusal precision, and minimize restorative complications through accurate static and dynamic articulation.
Dentists will be able to:
- Differentiate between analog and digital articulation methods, including their benefits and limitations.
- Apply digital workflows to provisional restorations, improving efficiency, patient experience, and predictability.
- Recognize cost-saving and diagnostic advantages of digital design in restorative and full-arch treatment planning.