Do occlusal contact detection products alter the occlusion?

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomechanics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Clinicians use occlusal contact detection products to assess and adjust dental occlusion.
• Previous research focused on product accuracy and reproducibility, not their effect on occlusion itself.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if occlusal contact detection products alter the forces and moments experienced by occluding teeth.
• To assess the impact of these products on the actual occlusion being measured.

Main Methods:

• A controlled laboratory study using a load sensor and a vertically sliding assembly.
• Measurement of three-dimensional force and moment components on a mandibular denture tooth in occlusion.
• Comparison of measurements with and without six different occlusal contact detection products (Accufilm I, Accufilm II, Hanel Articulating Silk, Rudischhauser Thick and Thin, T-scan).

Main Results:

• All six tested occlusal contact detection products demonstrated statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in measured forces and moments compared to direct tooth-to-tooth contact.
• The presence of these products altered the occlusal forces and moments, deviating from the control measurements.

Conclusions:

• Occlusal contact detection products can significantly influence the forces and moments within a dental occlusion.
• The use of these materials may affect the accuracy of occlusal analysis and equilibration procedures.
• Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these findings on dental treatment outcomes.