A model of at least a part of a dental structure, an articulator, and
methods of manufacturing such devices are provided. The model and the
articulator can be used to approximate the natural movements of a jaw of
a patient to facilitate preparation of a dental restoration. The model
can comprise the dental structure, an interface, and at least one void
extending from a reference surface of the interface inwardly toward the
void. The articulator can comprise upper and lower portions on which
models of upper and lower dental structures can be held. The upper and
lower portions of the articulator can be configured to generally maintain
a vertical alignment while at least one gap formed between respective
first and second alignment components thereof allows horizontal
movability of the upper and lower portions relative to each other to test
the interfit of the models therebetween.