Designed By:
Alfred E. Gysi
Manufactured By:
Dentists Supply Company of New York, Wadsworth by S.S. White Dental Mfg. Co.
US Patent:
Unknown: Description
Description:
The GYSI "Simplex" is an "Average Value" instrument; that is, the rotation centers, condylar guides, the incisal guide are fixed to "average" settings. The "Simplex" articulator was the average value version of the GYSI "adaptable", a highly adjustable instrument produced in 1912. Gysi felt compelled to produce this instrument because of competition in the market place and dentists' demands for simplicity. Gysi believed that with the "Simplex" the dentist could provide efficient denture service without the need for "scientific equipment" in about 80% of the cases.
Gysi suggested that the "protrusive" angle of the "Simplex" incisal guide table could be modified by the use of modeling compound and sheet metal. Apparently, an industrious person modified the lower cast holder to accept a Wadsworth adjustable incisal guide table. It had a horizontal protrusive guide with adjustable lateral wings. This also illustrates the diverse concepts that dentists had regarding the function of the incisal pin and guide.
Lateral view, closed position
Lateral view, open position
Detail of incisal guide. Unlike the Gysi that had a fixed protrusive angle only, the Wadsworth had a fixed flat protrusive and adjustable lateral wings.Dr. Edgar N. Starcke's articles in the Journal of Prosthodontics have more information on the history of articulators.