Evaluation of Premature Contacts Using the T-Scan III

Abstract

Objective: The aim of study is to evaluate premature contacts and occlusal forces for each tooth in complete dentures before occlusal adjustment. Material and methods: The study population was comprised of 30 subjects (aged 50 - 75). The measurements were performed using the T-Scan. The occlusion was analyzed before and after frames which from the T-scan “Force Movies” are Centric Relation bite recordings. Several practices closures were made until a repeatable pattern of contacts was seen on the video monitor and sensor was calibrated. Each subject was asked to bite on the sensor in a position of maximum intercuspation thus obtaining the location of each tooth contact. Premature contacts and percentage distribution of forces per tooth were obtained before and after occlusal adjustment. Results: The worst occlusal balance was recorded in a patient (F/74) by occlusal force values at right 5.9% and left 94.1% before occlusal adjustment. After occlusal adjustment, all patients’ percentage of occlusal balance values was adjusted at average of 48.8%, left 51.1%. The percentage distribution of forces per tooth results showed that premature contacts had been observed at posterior teeth either right or left side of occlusion. Conclusions: Occlusal adjustment is requested for all complete dentures to prevent patients from muscular pain and/or temporomandibular disorders for further terms.