[EP-6] Evaluating the Detection Capabilities of Various Occlusal Indicators through a Digital Approach
[Abstract]
[Objective]
Occlusal adjustments following dental restorations are crucial for ensuring optimal long-term outcomes. Mismanagement of occlusal interferences can lead to occlusal trauma, mechanical complications, and potential temporomandibular joint disorders. This study evaluates the effectiveness of various occlusal indicators, including traditional articulating paper and quantifiable occlusal indicators such as the T-Scan (T-Scan Novus, Tekscan, Inc.) and Dental Prescale II (DP2, GC Corp.), in analyzing occlusal contacts. Additionally, this study aims to identify associated patterns and offer insights into clinical occlusal adjustment protocols.
[Method]
Occlusal interference models were digitally designed using DentalCAD 3.1 (exocad GmbH) and fabricated with a 3D printer. These models were tested on a vertical stand to simulate jaw articulation under a 500 N force. Three types of occlusal indicators were employed: 12 μm-thick articulating paper, T-Scan, and Prescale II. Dome-shaped interferences with diameters of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm and heights of 50 μm, 100 μm, and 150 μm were added to the upper right first molar (#16). The detection capability of each indicator was assessed by analyzing the percentage of marking coverage and the biting force on the tooth surface.
ANOVA and Tukey's HSD were used to statistically examine occlusal indicators' effectiveness in identifying different groups of interferences through biting force and contact area. This involves (1) analyzing force differences across interference groups using Prescale II, compared to the control, and (2) assessing variations in contact area, measured with both Prescale II and articulating paper, against the expected interference surface area as designed
[Results and Discussion]
Preliminary assessments indicate that: (1) The articulating paper significantly overestimated interference, particularly for smaller interferences. (2) The thickness of interference relative to its diameter is more effectively detected by digital tools equipped with occlusal force measurement capabilities.
This study was limited by using models that do not simulate periodontal ligaments, which could offer a more clinically accurate representation. Based on the established methodology, a broader range of interference point sizes, shapes, and thicknesses along with their distribution and specific tooth positions will be also assessed.
[Objective]
Occlusal adjustments following dental restorations are crucial for ensuring optimal long-term outcomes. Mismanagement of occlusal interferences can lead to occlusal trauma, mechanical complications, and potential temporomandibular joint disorders. This study evaluates the effectiveness of various occlusal indicators, including traditional articulating paper and quantifiable occlusal indicators such as the T-Scan (T-Scan Novus, Tekscan, Inc.) and Dental Prescale II (DP2, GC Corp.), in analyzing occlusal contacts. Additionally, this study aims to identify associated patterns and offer insights into clinical occlusal adjustment protocols.
[Method]
Occlusal interference models were digitally designed using DentalCAD 3.1 (exocad GmbH) and fabricated with a 3D printer. These models were tested on a vertical stand to simulate jaw articulation under a 500 N force. Three types of occlusal indicators were employed: 12 μm-thick articulating paper, T-Scan, and Prescale II. Dome-shaped interferences with diameters of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm and heights of 50 μm, 100 μm, and 150 μm were added to the upper right first molar (#16). The detection capability of each indicator was assessed by analyzing the percentage of marking coverage and the biting force on the tooth surface.
ANOVA and Tukey's HSD were used to statistically examine occlusal indicators' effectiveness in identifying different groups of interferences through biting force and contact area. This involves (1) analyzing force differences across interference groups using Prescale II, compared to the control, and (2) assessing variations in contact area, measured with both Prescale II and articulating paper, against the expected interference surface area as designed
[Results and Discussion]
Preliminary assessments indicate that: (1) The articulating paper significantly overestimated interference, particularly for smaller interferences. (2) The thickness of interference relative to its diameter is more effectively detected by digital tools equipped with occlusal force measurement capabilities.
This study was limited by using models that do not simulate periodontal ligaments, which could offer a more clinically accurate representation. Based on the established methodology, a broader range of interference point sizes, shapes, and thicknesses along with their distribution and specific tooth positions will be also assessed.