Using a single cone-beam computed tomography scan to obtain full occlusal details, with the mandible in centric...

One obstacle with the implementation of digital technology in orthodontics is the acquisition of occlusal details while maintaining the mandible in the full interdigitation position. With 1 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the patient and 1 digital scan of the patient's dental models in occlusion, it might be possible to obtain full occlusal details and generate 2 volumes, with the mandible in centric relation and maximum intercuspation positions. The purpose of this article was to describe the technique.

Orthodontic models of enrolled subjects were digitized in maximum intercuspation. They wore splints that were initially 2 mm thick before CBCT imaging. On the CBCT volume, the mandible is separated from the rest of the skull, and the digitized dental model in maximum intercuspation is registered on the skull volume. The separated mandibular volume is then registered on the mandibular dentition using the tooth surfaces as a guide.

Two CBCT volumes are rendered: original scan with teeth in minimal disclusion and the constructed one with teeth in maximum interdigitation.

Mobilizing digital technology in orthodontics allows the acquisition of crucial occlusal details while sparing patients an extra radiation dose from the CBCT.