Occlusion in the digital era: a report on 3 cases

Abstract

In the following case studies we wish to discuss the necessity of making use of digital technology in the occlusion-oriented dental practice. In the three presented cases, patients underwent complex orthodontic, implant and prosthetic treatment, the aim being to re-establish the functionality of the dento-maxillary apparatus. The patients were evaluated clinically at the completion of the treatment. Subsequently, during the follow-ups (which varied between 2 and 4 years), clinical analysis using articulating paper was carried out and possible signs of relapse were specifically searched for. Occlusal clinical analysis was later on compared with the occlusion recorded using the TRIOS® 3 intraoral scanner (3Shape) and the T-Scan™ Novus™ device (TekScan). Clinical and digitally obtained scanner results were similar. The results yielded by the T-Scan™ Novus™ device were different and they were also relevant for elucidating the cause of the symptomatology.