Daily variations in occlusal contacts

In this study the location and severity of occlusal contacts in the morning and evening on 3 separate days were recorded for 10 women. Biofeedback therapy was used after evening recordings to encourage muscle relaxation. The findings suggest that occlusion and occlusal contacts change throughout the day and depend on the physical state of the masticatory muscles and the mental state of the patient. Although this conclusion is understandable, its effects on the philosophies of occlusal rehabilitation are questionable. Further studies are needed to evaluate the significance of the contact variations in occlusal restorations placed at different times.