Articulating paper mark misconceptions and computerized occlusal analysis technology

Articulating paper mark size is now understood to be non-descriptive of occlusal loads; in fact, many different sized marks can represent the same load, and equal sized marks do not represent similar loads. With a reported reliability between mark size and applied occlusal load of only 21%, choosing the paper marks to occlusally adjust, based upon their relative size and operator-subjective assessment of those various sizes, is tantamount to clinical guessing. Computerized occlusal analysis completely removes the operator subjectivity from the clinical decision-making process when attempting to isolate problem occlusal contacts. When an operator properly uses this technology, mark size, mark color-depth, donut-shaped halo contacts, as well as other color and mark appearance characteristics, are ignored as force indicators and used only as contact locators. Operator-subjective paper mark misperceptions are replaced with accurate knowledge of the true and measured contact order, contact applied load, contact quality, and proper contact isolation where problematic. This results in better overall force application to any installed implant prostheses during occlusal function, thereby enhancing its chance for an undamaged clinical service lifespan.