Comparison between cone beam CT and TMJ digital tracing to record the Bennett angle and their effect on the occlusion of complete denture

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of cone beam CT and TMJ digital tracing in determining the Bennett angle, as well as their effect on the complete denture occlusion. Subjects and methods: A sample of ten edentulous individuals were chosen, with an average age of 55 years. Every patient was provided with a complete denture, and the setting of artificial teeth was executed based on the principle of bilateral balanced occlusion. Then, the Bennett's angle was measured while the patient was in the lateral right and left movements by TMJ digital tracing (ARCUS digma II) and cone beam CT. These values of Bennett angles from different methods were applied to the semi-adjustable articulator to evaluate the balanced occlusion. Results: The values of Bennett angle on right and left sides, which were recorded by TMJ digital tracing (ARCUS digma II), and cone beam CT showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) using paired t-test (at 95% confidence interval). TMJ digital tracing method records the mandibular movement in real time of patient movement by the electronic sensors also, the cone beam CT has 3D image in real-time, but it does not make any difference in the clinical performance of the balanced occlusion of complete denture. Bennett's angle was approximately similar to the two methods. Conclusion: Within the limitations in the current study, no significant difference between TMJ digital tracing (ARCUS digmaII) and cone beam CT in the recording of Bennett angle, and there is no significant difference between their effect on balanced occlusion.