Occlusal Indicators - In Vitro Study of Normal Occlusion.

The number of occlusal contacts and the occlusal contact area has always been a challenge for dental researchers and practitioners. There is controversy regarding the several methods of occlusal contact determination. There are various occlusal marking indicators to determine occlusal contacts. Different manufacturers have designed strips that vary in thickness, color, medium, plastic deformation and marking ability. Our study purpose was to evaluate the accuracy of occlusal indicators by measuring the occlusal contact area markings. An orthodontic typodont was used for the evaluation of the occlusal contact areas on the first and second molars. This device had repeatable opening and closure movements and the teeth mounted in normal occlusion. Six occlusal indicator markers were tested by color-marking technique. A special photographic set-up was created. Image processing software was used to measure the colored area in pixels on the digital images. All indicators differed in surface area markings. The largest contact area was measured with the 200 microns articulating paper, and the smallest with metalic shimstock-Film 12 microns. The statistical analysis show a great variability between the occlusal indicators. The thickness of the materials used affected the marking area. Thick articulating strips may display false markings and smears. The accuracy of the markings may be questioned and the interpretation of the occlusal pattern should be based on several occlusal examinations. The selection of the indicator is made by the dental specialist and should be matched with the desired dental procedure, and even then the marking should be checked several times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]