A three-dimensional analysis of measuring occlusal contacts of complete denture
Lu, E.-y.; Zhang, F.-q.; Chen, X.-j.; Chen, J.-j.; Wang, C.-t.
Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue 15(6): 623-626
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1006-7248 PMID: 17533716 Document Number: 599305
This study was designed to analyze the complete denture occlusal contacts by three-dimensional digital technique. The artificial teeth occlusal surfaces of ten complete dentures were scanned by noncontact laser scanner and were reconstructed by three-dimensional technique. The locations and the numbers of occlusal contacts between the upper and lower full dentures were studied and measured in centric occlusal position, and further compared with the T-Scan system results by paired t test. (1) The results of occlusal contacts indicated that occlusal contacts were concentrated on molars and premolars and there were only 2 contacts in the area of anterior teeth. (2) There was no significant difference between three-dimensional reconstructive systematic measurement and T-Scan systematic measurement (P > 0.05). This study verified the reliability of the measurement for occlusal contacts by the three-dimensional digital system, and may lead to a new way for occlusal contacts research. Supported by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (T0202).