One of our very own hands on continuum Senior Clinical Instructors here at Aesthetic Advantage wrote the following outstanding article on using computerized occlusal analysis:
The interpretation of articulating marks has long been an inexact science. It requires subjective analysis with possible iatrogenic consequences. This protocol has led dentists to make irreversible adjustments to human anatomy without measuring and analyzing the existing problems and hopeful outcomes. Dentists have been taught to ask patients questions: How does that feel? Do you notice any one tooth hitting too much? Which tooth do you feel is touching first?
But patients are not trained in occlusion, and the literature supports that this method can be unreliable. Even experienced dentists cannot direct occlusal adjustments by proprioception alone. Therefore, dentists should consult the literature and question further the theories they were taught in dental school and textbooks regarding articulating paper. It has been documented in the literature that articulating paper is a poor indicator of occlusal disharmony. Studies show that mark size varies with the same applied load or different thicknesses of paper. Mark interpretation is operator-subjective and paper cannot measure the timing or forces of occlusion. A complete occlusal adjustment by today’s standards should include computerized occlusal analysis.
This author has used computerized occlusal analysis instrumentation (T-Scan® III, Tekscan Inc, South Boston,
MA) for several years as a more accurate way to refine occlusion. Despite its proven force reproduction capability, this technology has been underused in the profession. In the author’s opinion, it is the only accurate way of measuring the timing sequence or force of occlusal contacts. It can be used with any occlusal philosophy to determine interocclusal relationships. Instrumentation to analyze occlusal forces was introduced by Tekscan Inc in 1984 as the T-Scan® I. Over the past 24 years, the technology has evolved into a very precise diagnostic and treatment tool, which can be incorporated into any restorative practice.
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