T-Scan III System Diagnostic Tool for Digital Occlusal Analysis in Orthodontics – a Modern Approach

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic literature review was performed to establish the mechanism, methodology, characteristics, clinical application and opportunities of the T-Scan III System as a diagnostic tool for digital occlusal analysis in different fields of dentistry, precisely in orthodontics. Methods: Searching of electronic databases, using MEDLINE and PubMed, hand searching of relevant key journals, and screening of reference lists of included studies with no language restriction was performed. Publications providing statistically examined data were included for systematic review. Results: Twenty potentially relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were identified. Only ten met the inclusion criteria. The literature demonstrates that using digital occlusal analysis with T-Scan III System in orthodontics has significant advantage with regard to the capability of measuring occlusal parameters in static positions and during dynamic of the mandible. Conclusion: Within the scope of this systematic review, there is evidence to support that T-Scan system is rapid and accurate in identifying the distribution of the tooth contacts and it shows great promise as a clinical diagnostic screening device for occlusion and for improving the occlusion after various dental treatments. Additional clinical studies are required to advance the indication filed of this system. Importance of using digital occlusal T-Scan analysis in orthodontics deserves further investigation.

Assessment of occlusion with the T-Scan system in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery

“…T-Scan (T-Scan III, Software version 8.0.1, Tekscan, Inc., Boston, MA, USA) is a digital occlusion analysis system that records and measures tooth contact, force, and timing in real-time using a thin, flexible, pressure-sensitive bite transducer embedded in a dental arch-shaped recording sensor 4, 10–12 (Fig. 1).…”

Computerised occlusal analysis of mini‐dental implant‐retained mandibular overdentures: A 1‐year prospective clinical study

“…The proper occlusion in complete denture is the crucial factor to improve the success of the treatment. Using computerised occlusal analysis assists the dentist to detect occlusal force and occlusal distribution and allow the dentist to adjust the occlusion accurately 30‐34 . It is also used together with conventional articulating paper 26 …”

“…It was found that occlusal indicator is reliable to assist in occlusal adjustment 30,31 . T‐Scan ® (Tekscan, Inc) is a digital occlusal analysis system for recording and measuring tooth contact, force distribution and timing in real‐time using pressure‐sensitive bite transducer 32‐34 . The occlusal force distribution, occlusal interference and relative force of each interference can be determined from the occlusal recorded 32,33 .…”

“…The T‐Scan ® records occlusal parameters, such as the centre of force, demonstrating the symmetry of the occlusal force, first contact, the area of early contact between maxillary and mandibular teeth, maximum occlusal contact force (MOF) and maximum intercuspation (the occlusal position of the mandible in which the cusps of the teeth of one arch fully interpose themselves with the cusps of the teeth of the opposing arch). Maximum intercuspation is an important jaw position that defines both the anterior‐posterior and lateral relationships of the mandible and maxilla, as well as the superior‐inferior relationship known as the vertical dimension of occlusion 34 . Occlusal analysis is also a substantial tool for the functional improvement evaluation after using implant‐retained overdentures in terms of bite force and occlusal distribution comparing to complete denture without dental implant 22‐24,33 …”

Comparing the effect of occlusal adjustment using T scan and articulating paper on the vertical bone height changes around dental implants supporting lower single fixed detachable hybrid prosthesis

“…(9) This device is used in many clinical situations when occlusal adjustment is necessary as Complete dentures, fixed or removable partial dentures, Complete arch reconstruction by using implants, Complete arch reconstruction involving FPD, Natural tooth occlusal equilibration, Occlusal splints, Mandibular repositioning devices. (10) Sensitivity, reliability, reproducibility are the major advantages when T scan is used for the digital occlusal analysis (11,12) as it has the ability to record the very first contact of tooth, relative force and timing (13) The current version of T scan used recently is T scan III.…”