Evaluation of Occlusal Contacts among Different Groups of Malocclusion using 3D Digital Models

Abstract

Objectives: (1) To evaluate the applicability of using 3D digital models in the assessment of the magnitude of occlusal contacts by measuring occlusal contact surface areas (OCSAs) and 3D mesh points in 'contact' (OCMPs) in a sample of orthodontic patients; (2) To detect any sex differences in the magnitude of occlusal contacts in all malocclusion groups; (3) To detect intergroup differences; (4) To assess possible correlations between occlusal contacts and other dental characteristics. Materials and methods:Study casts of 120 malocclusion patients were selected and divided into 4 groups (class I division 1, class II division 1, class II division 2, class III) with equal numbers for both sexes. 3D digital models were produced using O3DM™ technology. Occlusal contacts were quantified using two methods of measuring.Results: (1) No significant sexual differences were detected for OCMPs (mesh points) and OCSAs (mm 2 ) in all groups. (2) There were statistically significant differences among malocclusion groups for OCMPs and OCSAs (p < 0.001). Tukey's HSD posthoc tests showed that class III patients had significantly less occlusal contacts than other malocclusion groups. (3) Stepwise multiple regression equations showed that overjet, lower arch width and overbite could explain approximately 19.5% of the total variance of OCSAs and OCMPs.Conclusion: Sexual differences in occlusal contacts were not detected. Class I division 1 patients had the highest amount of occlusal contacts among all groups of malocclusion. Overjet, overbite and lower dental arch width were best predictors of occlusal contacts in the current sample.

Occlusion time, occlusal balance and lateral occlusal scheme in subjects with various dental and skeletal characteristics: A prospective clinical study

“…Different occlusal features can affect the number, the position and the magnitude of teeth contacts 1,2 . In turn, the contacts between the teeth can influence different aspects of both static and dynamic dental occlusion 3 .…”

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

“…Furthermore, the different thickness of the foils used in the two papers could have affected the results. Several articles showed a relationship between foil thickness and contact perception 34,35 . Brizuela‐Velasco et al 31 suggested the use of thin articulating paper (12‐40 μm) to highlight the occlusal contacts because higher thickness could oversize the marks.…”

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

“…From a methodological viewpoint, it must be pointed out that the occlusal marks may change based on the type of occlusal indicator and force exerted. Thus, the thickness of the occlusal recording device, either an articulating foil or a digital sensor, should be preferably below the level of perception of the patient . An excessive thickness increases the number and size of the contacts; it can induce an altered response and potentially lead to mandibular deflection.…”