[A study on display and accuracy of occlusal contacts by means of T-Scan System]

The various methods were introduced in the daily prosthodontic field evaluating occlusal contacts for diagnosis and analysis. Maness in 1987 developed the T-Scan system, which is considered as a new computerized device capable to interpret occlusal contacts information quantitatively. The system is composed of a sensor, sensor frame, handle, cable and system unit. Record and analysis mode made possible the occlusal contacts in three ways, such as the balance plot, the time display and comparison screen. However, accuracy and reproducibility of occlusal marking through this system is still uncertain. Therefore, this preliminary study was conducted on four specific points loaded on a sensor by application of the weight of 0.1 kg through 10 kg. The following results were obtained 1. There exists certain non-sensible areas caused by its constructional feature. 2. The most sensible area can be measured from 0.1 Kg to 2.1 Kg, and therefore, this device is more suitable for recording within lower loadings. 3. Although the system has a certain disadvantage of reproducibility, this contributes to attain diagnosis and treatment of occlusal contacts for a quantitative evaluation.