Occlusion in the digital era: a report on 3 cases

Aspects of Occlusal Recordings Performed with the T-Scan System and with the Medit Intraoral Scanner

INTRODUCTION

Dental occlusion refers to the static and dynamic relationships that are established between the teeth of the two arches and is an important factor in the homeostasis of the dento-maxillary system. The objective of the present study was to compare two digital occlusal analysis systems: the T-Scan III system and the Medit I600 intraoral scanner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out on 20 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine Craiova, whose dental occlusion was assessed with the T-Scan III system and with the Medit I600 intraoral scanner. Dental occlusion was assessed in the maximum intercuspation position, the edge-to-edge protrusion position, and the edge-to-edge position in right and left laterotrusion. The images of the 2D occlusal contact areas obtained by both methods were converted to .jpeg format and then transferred to Adobe Photoshop CS6 2021 (Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA, USA) for comparison. The recorded data were statistically processed.

RESULTS

Analyzing the data provided by the two digital occlusal analysis systems, it was found that the T-Scan III system provided data related to the amplitude of the occlusal forces, the surface on which they were distributed (the contact surface), the dynamics of the occlusal contacts, and the proportion in which they were distributed at the level of the two hemiarches, and the Medit I600 intraoral scanner performed an evaluation of the occlusal interface of the two arches, highlighting the extent of the contact areas with the degree of overlapping of the occlusal components. Although both methods of occlusal analysis recorded the highest values for the maximum intercuspation position, the results could not be compared.

CONCLUSIONS

The two digital systems provide different data in occlusal analysis. As the T-Scan III system is considered the gold standard for occlusal analysis, more studies are needed to understand the data provided by the Medit I600 intraoral scanner and their significance.

Improving the precision of recordings acquired with digital occlusal analyzers: A dental technique

A technique to improve the precision of recordings acquired with the 2 main digital occlusal analyzers on the market (T-Scan and OccluSense) is presented. This technique consists of using digital occlusal analyzers with a customizable centering tray. The virtual design of the centering tray is available online, together with that of the adapters required for both digital occlusal analyzers. The designs can be downloaded and additively manufactured for clinical use. These parts improve the positioning of the piezoelectric film sensors of the digital occlusal analyzers in the patient's mouth and thus the precision of their records. Improving the precision of the records of the digital occlusal analyzers is especially important for the comparison of records obtained at different stages of rehabilitation treatment.

Case Report: Digital analysis of occlusion with T-Scan Novus in occlusal splint treatment for a patient with bruxism

Bruxism is a disease with a multifactorial etiology. Its clinical manifestations are most often an unaesthetic smile with abraded tooth surfaces, temporomandibular disorders and muscle hyperactivity. Here we present a case of bruxism where proper articulation of the occlusal splint was performed using the T-scan Novus system.

A patient with bruxism underwent treatment with stabilization splint made by 3D printer technology. Intraoral scanning was performed using Trios Color (3Shape, 2014), and the digital design was achieved using the 3Shape Dental system design - splint studio. Formlabs Form 2 printer with biocompatible resin Dental LT Clear Resin was used for printing. The T-Scan Novus system with software attached to it, version 9.1, was used for digital examination of the occlusion. A 2.7 mm thick occlusal splint was developed, and the software adapted the occlusion with antagonists. After adjustment with T-Scan Novus, a reduction in disocclusion time of the patient was achieved, which is a desired result in the treatment of bruxism. The position of the joint components was proven radiologically.

The treatment of bruxism with splint therapy continues to be the main method of treatment. Using digital technology allows for more accurate constructions and precise balancing of occlusal relationships.

The Importance of T-Scan III Digital Electronic System in Fixed Restorations Occlusal Analysis – A Review

BACKGROUND: Occlusion is one of the most important aspects of dentistry. Dental occlusion differs among individuals. Subsequently, realizing the correct physiological occlusion is essential for the complex functioning of the stomatognathic system during the mouth prosthodontics rehabilitation. AIM: The purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview of the T-Scan system over its utility in fixed restorations occlusal analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed through PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for selection were articles reporting the occlusion analysis using articulating paper as a conventional method, and occlusion analysis using T-Scan III digital electronic system to detect contact points between the mandibular and maxillary teeth. RESULTS: The electronic search identified 70 titles. Authors ended up with eight studies which have been divided into two tables. The first table is described four studies which present a comparison between the T-Scan III electronic system and articulating paper. The second table is described 4 studies which present occlusal analysis using the T-Scan III electronic system. CONCLUSION: Based on the published literature, this review has highlighted some advantages of the T-Scan electronic system compared to articulating paper. The studies showed that the T-Scan computerized occlusal analysis which can provide quantifiable occlusal force and timing data that will make it possible to better protect brittle dental ceramic, and most importantly, to improve the quality of patient’s lives with improved bite comfort and chewing function.