[Protocol for clinical articulation of complete dentures in maximum intercuspation]

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Complete dentures (CDs) require precise articulation for optimal function.
• Traditional articulation methods using only articulation paper can be subjective and lead to occlusal inaccuracies.
• Digital occlusal analysis systems offer potential for improved accuracy in denture fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a clinical protocol for articulating complete dentures (CDs) in maximum intercuspation (MIP).
• To compare the efficacy of digital T-Scan 8 system combined with articulation paper versus articulation paper alone for CD articulation.
• To assess the impact of the digital protocol on occlusal time, force distribution, and vertical dimension.

Main Methods:

• 32 edentulous patients received two sets of complete dentures.
• Group 1 dentures were articulated using only articulation paper.
• Group 2 dentures were articulated using a protocol combining T-Scan 8 digital analysis and articulation paper.
• Occlusion time (OT), force outliers, vertical dimension of occlusion, and total occlusal force in MIP were measured.

Main Results:

• Group 1 showed high rates of abnormal occlusion time (56.2%) and force outliers (81.25%).
• Group 2 demonstrated significantly lower abnormal occlusion time (3.12%) and force outliers (12.5%).
• The digital protocol group achieved an average total occlusal force of 99.39% in MIP with improved contact distribution.

Conclusions:

• The clinical protocol integrating digital T-Scan 8 analysis and articulation paper enhances the accuracy of complete denture articulation in maximum intercuspation.
• This digital approach overcomes the subjectivity of traditional methods, leading to more precise occlusal contacts and force distribution.
• The findings support the use of digital occlusal analysis in prosthodontic workflows for improved patient outcomes.