An overview of the different digital facebow methods for transferring the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were to classify the described digital facebow techniques for transferring the maxillary cast into the semi-adjustable virtual articulator based on the digital data acquisition technology used and to review the reported accuracy values of the different digital facebow methods described.

OVERVIEW

Digital data acquisition technologies, including digital photographs, facial scanners, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, and jaw tracking systems, can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator. The reported techniques are reviewed, as well as the reported accuracy values of the different digital facebow methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital photographs can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator using the true horizontal reference plane, but limited studies have assessed the accuracy of this method. Facial scanning and CBCT techniques can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator, in which the most frequently selected references planes are the Frankfort horizontal, axis orbital, and true horizontal planes. Studies analyzing the accuracy of the maxillary cast transfer by using facial scanning and CBCT techniques are restricted. Lastly, optical jaw trackers can be selected for transferring the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator by using the axis orbital or true horizontal planes, yet the accuracy of these systems is unknown.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Digital data acquisition technologies, including digital photographs, facial scanning methods, CBCTs, and optical jaw tracking systems, can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator. Studies are needed to assess the accuracy of these digital data acquisition technologies for transferring the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator.

An overview of the digital occlusion technologies: Intraoral scanners, jaw tracking systems, and computerized occlusal analysis devices

OBJECTIVES

Within the development of digital technologies, dental professionals aim to integrate virtual diagnostic articulated casts obtained by using intraoral scanners (IOSs), the mandibular motion of the patient recorded by using an optical jaw tracking system, and the information provided by computerized occlusal analysis systems. This article describes the various digital technologies available for obtaining the digital occlusion of a patient and outlines its challenges and limitations.

OVERVIEW

The factors that influence the accuracy of the maxillomandibular relationship of diagnostic casts obtained by using IOSs are reviewed, as well as the occurrence of occlusal collisions or mesh interpenetrations. Different jaw tracking systems with varying digital technologies including ultrasonic systems, photometric devices, and artificial intelligence algorithms are reviewed. Computerized occlusal analysis systems for detecting occlusal contacts in a time sequential manner with the pressure distribution on the occlusal surfaces are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital technologies provide powerful diagnostic and design tools for prosthodontic care. However, the accuracy of these digital technologies for acquiring and analyzing the static and dynamic occlusion need to be further analyzed.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Efficiently implementing digital technologies into dental practice requires an understanding of the limitations and state of current development of the digital acquisition methods for digitizing the static and dynamic occlusion of a patient by using IOSs, digital jaw trackers, and computerized occlusal analysis devices.

Quantitative parameters of digital occlusal analysis in dental implant supported restorative reconstruction recent 5 years: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the clinical masticatory performance of implant-supported restorations, observe the occlusal force changes in the distribution of the implant restoration and reveal the positive and negative contributing factors of implant design and components based on the outcomes of digital occlusal measurement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An extensive search was conducted through PubMed and CENTRAL to identify clinical trials on implant-retained restorations using digital occlusal analysis methods. Two researchers assessed the identified studies and data extraction independently, and the data synthesis strategies without meta-analysis that summarizes the effect estimates were adopted.

RESULTS

The search screened 3821 titles and abstracts, then full-text analysis for 26 articles was performed, and 14 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Four of six studies for implant-retained overdenture showed statistically significant improved bite force when immediate loading (p = .00045, .00005, .00055, and .00005, respectively), and no statistically significant results in the other two studies (p = .225, .371, respectively.) However, the results of the favoured intervention were not statistically significant (p = .104, .166, respectively) in two studies of single posterior implant restorations. In all three studies, the bite force distributed on the implant prostheses of partially fixed implant-retained restoration increased statistically significantly (p = .013, .001, .05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The edentulous restoration supported by implants seems to significantly improves bite force and chewing efficiency compared with conventional dentures. Regular quantitative occlusal measurement is recommended to avoid the possible risk of overload. Smaller implants size and relatively small and flexible attachment designs may be more conducive to the stability and retention of the restoration of atrophy of alveolar bone.

Computerized occlusal analysis - innovative approaches for a practice-oriented procedure

A hands-on method for instrument-based occlusal analysis with digital technology is presented using a patient case example. The method is based on new software for digital occlusal analysis that includes a new measuring system for recording mandibular function (Jaw Motion Analyser Optic System/oJMA). With the new system, occlusal contact patterns in the real movement function of the mandible are captured and analyzed digitally with regard to occlusal interferences or a suitable therapeutic position of the mandible. For this purpose, scans of both jaws are brought together with the movement recordings by means of a special coupling tray and then visualized together as one complete image. Since the movement paths of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are also captured, the new system makes it possible to define a suitable therapeutic position specifically aimed at relieving the TMJs, and a therapeutic change in the jaw relation can be adjusted, for instance, by using an occlusal splint. Dedicated software modules provide a layer-by-layer analysis of the intercuspation relationship and the generation of 'envelopes' for occlusal gliding movements. This system is used to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of the occlusion. Interfaces to CAD software have also been established.

Biometrics: digital technology as a clinical aid to dental examination and diagnosis

The new-patient visit includes examination, diagnosis, and establishment of a treatment plan. This process must include an evaluation of the dental occlusion and stomatognathic system, including the temporomandibular joints. This clinical case describes the use of biometric aids, including T-Scan, BioJVA, and JT-3D, in the digital evaluation of a patient with signs and symptoms of occlusal stress. These technologies provide clinicians with additional information that can help in the examination and diagnostic processes.