Comparison between conventional and computerised methods in the assessment of an occlusal scheme

Abstract

The paradigm about the ideal dental occlusion schemes in rehabilitation procedures has changed over time. [1][2][3] Indeed, based on suggestions that the role of dental occlusion features is less important than believed in the past in the aetiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), bruxism or functional impairment, very basic occlusal schemes are enough to maintain the homeostasis of the stomatognathic system. [3][4][5][6] Nonetheless, this does not mean that occlusion evaluations and adjustments should not be part of daily dental practice. Advantages and disadvantages of the conventional methods (eg, articulating Abstract Purpose: In the definition of an occlusal scheme, clinicians should choose between conventional and computerised methods based on a careful appraise of the advantages and limitations. This study aims to assess the correlation between the two approaches in a clinical setting. Methods: Twenty-four patients were included to compare different methods of occlusal contacts assessment on the posterior surfaces of flat mandibular appliances.In supine position, they were asked to clench with maximum strength, in the maximum intercuspation position with a 24 μm articulating paper positioned between the teeth and the appliance surface. An extra-oral photograph of the marks was taken (total N = 2082). They were visually classified based on a pre-defined scale (ie, conventional assessment) and with ImageJ analysis software (ie, photographic software assessment). Additionally, a computerised occlusal analysis was performed (ie, computerised assessment). Correlation analysis of the data achieved with conventional, photographic and computerised assessments was performed.Results: Correlation between conventional and computerised assessments was weak (r = .265), whilst it was moderate between conventional and photographic assessments (r = .633), as well as between photographic and computerised assessments (r = .476). Conclusions:This investigation showed a weak-to-moderate correlation between different methods (ie, conventional, photographic and computerised) to assess occlusal marks. None of the three can actually be considered the standard of reference, but based on their specific features, it can bet suggested that the conventional method may be enough for most clinical purposes, unless otherwise proven. K E Y W O R D S articulation foil, digital occlusal analysis, occlusal analysis, occlusal contacts How to cite this article: Dias RAB, Rodrigues MJP, Messias AL, Guerra FADA, Manfredini D. Comparison between conventional and computerised methods in the assessment of an occlusal scheme. J Oral Rehabil. 2020;47:221-228.

Automatic Digital Design of the Occlusal Anatomy of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Compared to Dental Technicians’ Digital Waxing: A Controlled Clinical Trial

“…In a recent study, Diaz et al 33 assessed the correlation between the conventional, photographic and computerized occlusal evaluation methods in the clinical settings and concluded that none of the three could actually be considered the standard of reference. In the present study, extraoral photography was chosen for quantitative analysis of the occlusal marks using an analysis software, as it has been demonstrated to be more objective compared to the visual interpretation of the clinicians 33 . Furthermore, the different thickness of the foils used in the two papers could have affected the results.…”

“…In the study by Zhang et al, 16 photographs to rate the occlusal contacts were taken by two independent clinicians, T‐Scan was utilized to observe occlusion with dynamic quantitative analysis, and the muscle activity was evaluated by means of EMG examinations. In a recent study, Diaz et al 33 assessed the correlation between the conventional, photographic and computerized occlusal evaluation methods in the clinical settings and concluded that none of the three could actually be considered the standard of reference. In the present study, extraoral photography was chosen for quantitative analysis of the occlusal marks using an analysis software, as it has been demonstrated to be more objective compared to the visual interpretation of the clinicians 33 .…”

“…After opening the image, the first step was to set the scale in millimeters using the real mesial‐distal length of the crown as a reference. Using the Selections Freehand tool, the perimeter of each contact, corresponding to the contour of the articulating foil mark over the occlusal surface was identified, and the area was calculated using the “Measure” tool 33 . The procedure was repeated for each crown (Fig 4).…”

Effect of different occlusal forces on the accuracy of interocclusal records of loose teeth

“…Regarding the measurement of occlusal contact points, the commonly used traditional clinical methods include the occlusal paper method, the occlusal wax chip method and the silicone rubber method. Although these methods have a certain rationality, they are easily influenced by subjective or objective conditions 5 . With the introduction of digital technologies into the field of dentistry, such as the T‐scan system and the iTero scanner, the study of occlusal analysis has gradually been quantified, and the description of occlusal contact has evolved from static to dynamic recording.…”

“…Although these methods have a certain rationality, they are easily influenced by subjective or objective conditions. 5 With the introduction of digital technologies into the field of dentistry, such as the T-scan system and the iTero scanner, the study of occlusal analysis has gradually been quantified, and the description of occlusal contact has evolved from static to dynamic recording. The T-scan system can be used to record and analyse the force and timing of occlusal contact and the correspondence between them.…”