Assessing Detection Capability of Various Occlusal Indicators via Digital Approach

Objectives: Occlusal adjustments following the installation of a dental restoration are pivotal for the optimal long-term outcome. Mismanagement of occlusal interferences can result in occlusal trauma, mechanical complications, and potential temporomandibular disorders. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various occlusal indicators, including articulating paper and quantifiable occlusal indicators such as the T-Scan (T-Scan Novus, Tekscan, Inc.) and Dental Prescale II (DP2, GC Corp.), in occlusal contact analysis. This study also aimed to discern associated patterns and to provide insights into clinical occlusal adjustment protocols.
Methods: Models of occlusal interference were digitally designed via the software (DentalCAD 3.1, Exocad GmbH) and fabricated using a 3D printer (Sonic Mighty 8K, Phrozen Tech Ltd.). These models were tested on a vertical stand to simulate jaw articulation under a 500N force. Three types of occlusal indicators were employed: 14μm-thick articulating paper, T-Scan, and Prescale II. Dome-shaped interference of 0.5mm diameter with height of 50μm and 100μm was added to the upper right second premolar. The percentage of marking coverage on the tooth surface was analyzed to determine the detection capability of each indicator.
Results: For the articulating paper, the detection capability was 316.79% for 50μm interferences and 133.57% for 100μm. The results indicate that both groups overestimated the interference, and detection performance was even poorer for the smaller interference. Based on our preliminary evaluations, the effectiveness of the occlusal indicators was ranked as follows: Prescale II > T-Scan > Articulating Paper.
Conclusions: The results are limited to only use models without simulating periodontal ligaments, which could offer a closer clinical representation. Based on the established methodology, future investigations will incorporate a broader variety of interference point sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, and consider their distribution, and examine specific tooth positions.