Clinical protocol for occlusal adjustment: Rationale and application

Structured critical analysis correction of a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

: Systematic reviews (SRs) are an increasingly important format in the scientific literature. Commentaries on improvements to the SR format have focused on methodological quality, but a greater concern is a frequent lack of critical analysis. A structured critical analysis (SCA) was described as a solution to this deficiency.

METHODS

: Recommendations and conclusions of a recent SR were analyzed with a SCA to address common problems previously reported with the SR format.

RESULTS

: Errors in the component studies and their interpretation by the SR that led to erroneous recommendations were presented. The 5-part SCA provided comprehensive analysis that corrected the SR, which had accepted the component study conclusions verbatim.

CONCLUSION

: The SCA is a logical approach to provide critical thinking in SRs to ensure appropriate conclusions. This is especially important, as many SRs report contradictory evidence. Also, the reader can use the SCA format to better understand existing literature.

Occlusal Analysis in Natural Dentition: Systematic Review

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional occlusal analysis in contrast with digital occlusal analysis in natural dentition. Occlusal analysis allows the identification of normal and abnormal occlusal contact points that alter the craniomandibular cervical system. We searched for articles with keywords [[dental occlusion]], [[natural dentition]], [[occlusal adjustment]], [[Immediate Complete Anterior Guidance Development]] [[mastication]], [[bite force]], [[premature contact]], [[occlusal balance]] [[articulating paper]]], [[spray]], [[Occlusal contacts]], and [[bite strength]]. They were considered observational , odds ratio and case control studies. We found 189 items. After evaluating the abstracts and full texts of the articles, 10 papers met the inclusion criteria. It was found that occlusal analysis allows the identification of the relationship between poor occlusion and the sensitivity of the teeth due to occlusal trauma, which is also related to temporomandibular joint pain in dynamic occlusion. The contacts of greater strength were observed in nonfunctional cusps, 48%, without ruling out the functional cusps, 24%. Despite being the universal method of occlusal control to date, the use of joint paper, remains subjective compared to the digital occlusal control device. Posture is considered directly related to occlusal trauma and temporomandibular disorders; without proper occlusal analysis, a clear diagnosis of the patient's joint condition cannot be obtained. Digital occlusal analysis is more objective than traditional occlusal analysis.

[The value of an occlusal adjustment: why?, how?, and when? case report]

The aim of optimal dentistry is to stabilise the stomatognathic system (teeth, periodontium, muscles and temporomandibular joint). All of these must work in harmony, as together they provide optimal care from diagnosis through planning to treatment. However, many clinicians currently give little importance to the identification of premature contacts and/or interferences prior to any dental treatment, which should be taken into account to provide improved stability in mandibular closure, correct anterior and canine guidance in mandibular movements.This clinical case describes the treatment of a patient with a diagnosis of functional occlusal disorder due to premature contact, whose treatment consisted of an occlusal adjustment by selective wear, following the technique described by the author Klineberg, with the aim of preserving the dental structure as much as possible while maintaining control during the occlusal adjustment and returning the greatest number of symmetrical and pointed contacts.

Anteroposterior skeletofacial classification and its relationship to maxillary second molar buccopalatal angulation

OBJECTIVE

To compare second molar angulation to the occlusal plane with cephalometric measurements corresponding to AP skeletal discrepancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

72 patients' pre-orthodontic records were analyzed. A plane was constructed along the cusps of the upper second molar and measured to a proxy for the occlusal plane. The angle between the planes was measured. ANB, Wits appraisal, U1-SN, IMPA, A-B perpendicular to Frankfort, and overjet were measured on the patients' cephalograms. Generalized additive mixed model analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between the second molar angulation and the cephalometric measurements.

RESULTS

All six cephalometric measurements showed a significant relationship with the second molar angulation, with Class III patients having a larger angle than Class II and I patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Class III patients have upper second molars that are significantly tipped from the occlusal plane. The second molars require special attention for correction prior to orthognathic surgery for Class III patients in order to avoid deleterious effects from the malpositioned teeth.