MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF FRONTAL AREA BITE HEIGHT SEPARATION USING DENTAL SCANNER INDICATORS IN LOCALIZED PATHOLOGICAL TOOTH WEAR

Abstract

The issue of occlusion changes resulting from tooth loss or wear requires prompt early identification and effective resolution. Alterations in the physiological position of the lower jaw can have cascading effects on facial muscles, articulation, chewing biomechanics, and patient’s aesthetics and comfort. It also poses challenges for orthodontic procedures. Correcting occlusion height is a significant concern for both patients and dental specialists, necessitating the use of appropriate techniques and informed decision-making. This review aims to examine primary literature sources concerning the causes and consequences of pathological tooth wear, its impact on bite changes in patients, and the relevance of mathematical calculations in orthodontic interventions. An electronic search and analysis of publications from prominent scientific databases (ScienceDirect, Research Gate, NCBI, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Willey, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Google Scholar) were conducted. Emphasis was given to articles published after 2018. The presence of additional informative references in the analyzed text materials was also assessed. Mathematical equation models were identified as useful tools for quantitatively assessing temporomandibular joint movement during the restoration of the initial occlusion height. Such calculations are most effective in the early stages of orthodontic intervention, particularly when temporomandibular joint mobility is limited. However, it is crucial for dental specialists to approach each orthodontic procedure with precision and rationale, considering the existing temporomandibular structure. The accuracy of the method can be evaluated by calculating the proportion of true positives and true negatives in all assessed cases. While mathematical calculations can provide general guidelines, individual patient criteria should remain the primary consideration for the specialist.