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Measuring tooth movement with treatment using the Dahl principle: An observational study
Kritesh Bhai1, Roy Judge2, Jaafar Abduo3
1Past Prosthodontic Postgraduate student, Restorative Dentistry Department, Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|August 17, 2021
Summary
Quantifying three-dimensional tooth movements is crucial for dental treatments. This study measured tooth movement magnitude, direction, and rate, revealing complex 3D changes during occlusal reestablishment.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Limited research exists on quantifying 3D tooth movements during Dahl principle treatment.
- Understanding these movements is key for successful occlusal reestablishment and restorative space creation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the magnitude, direction, duration, and rate of tooth movement.
- To analyze tooth movement patterns during treatment aimed at reestablishing tooth contact and creating restorative space.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 104 paired physical and virtual casts from 26 patients.
- Employed 3D digital cast superimposition and surface matching software for analysis.
- Quantified movement magnitude and visualized direction using color maps and annotation features.
Main Results:
- All participants exhibited tooth movement, with durations ranging from 3.9 to 28.2 months.
- Posterior teeth showed more extrusive (56.9%) than anterior teeth intrusive (43.1%) movements.
- Significant differences (P<.001) in movement magnitude were observed between tooth categories; anterior teeth moved more buccally, and all teeth moved mesially.
Conclusions:
- Tooth movement is inherently 3-dimensional, occurring irrespective of patient age or sex.
- Occlusal reestablishment primarily involves a combination of extrusive and intrusive movements.
- Digital technologies, including surface scanners and 3D software, are advantageous for quantifying treatment-induced tooth changes.
