Occlusion and Disocclusion Time Changes in Single Unit Crowns Designed by Functional Generated Path Technique: A...

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• The functional generated path (FGP) technique is thought to improve occlusal surface design for dental restorations.
• Objective in situ comparisons between FGP and conventional fabrication methods are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively compare the occlusal time (OT) and disocclusion time (DT) of dental crowns fabricated using the FGP technique, average-value FGP (AVR) technique, and conventional fabrication (CON).
• To evaluate subjective feedback and occlusal adjusting time for each fabrication method.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind crossover clinical trial involving 10 participants.
• Participants received three posterior artificial crowns (FGP, AVR, CON) in a randomized sequence.
• T-scan technology was used to measure changes in OT and DT.

Main Results:

• Changes in OT and DT were significantly smaller for FGP compared to CON (P < 0.05).
• AVR also showed considerably smaller changes in OT and DT than CON.
• FGP and AVR resulted in better subjective feedback and shorter occlusal adjusting times than CON (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The FGP technique is an efficient method for designing dental restorations.
• FGP offers a more physiological and harmonious relationship with the masticatory system.
• FGP and AVR techniques represent improvements over conventional fabrication for posterior dental crowns.