An evaluative analysis of dental occlusion using classical and digital method – T-Scan system

Authors: Antonela Berar, Andreea Kui, Mirela Fluerașu, Simona Iacob, Sacha Simon, Monica Nistor,

Smaranda Buduru

Affiliation

Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract

Background. Dental occlusion plays an important role in the correct functioning of the masticatory system, as any restorative and prosthetic procedure will have an impact on the occlusion.

Aims. The aim of the study was to perform an evaluative analysis of the dental occlusion in static and dynamic positions of the mandible using the classical method with the articulating paper and the digital T-Scan method. Also, to investigate the differences between the two methods in the precise identification of the number and location of the occlusal contacts.

Methods. The analysis of dental occlusion was performed on ten patients aged 22 – 50 years and categorized into two groups. The clinical method used 200 and 40 μm articulating paper (Bauch, Germany) and 12 μm Shimstock foil (Hanel, Germany) in evaluation the occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation, propulsion and right / left laterality. The computerized analysis of static and dynamic occlusion for the two groups employed the T-Scan Novus v10 system (Tekscan Inc., Germany), recording the forces from the occlusal contacts.

Results. In Group 1, 51% of occlusal contacts were found in maximal intercuspation, using articulating paper and 49% using T-Scan. In Group 2, 54% of contact points were identified by articulating paper and 46% by T-Scan. The two methods investigated the static and dynamic occlusion have shown similar results, with no statistically significant differences.

Conclusions. Although there is currently no gold standard for dental analysis, in clinical practice the classic method using articulating paper should be used initially, followed by the computerized method using the T-Scan system to ensure an accurate occlusal diagnosis and appropriate treatment for patients.

Keywords: occlusal analysis, digital method, T-Scan.

 

06-berar111-117

An evaluative analysis of dental occlusion using classical and digital method – T-Scan system

https://doi.org/10.26659/pm3.2024.25.2.111