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.