In Odontology, occlusion is the way upper and lower teeth approach each other.
Occlusal analysis is the procedure through which the specialist assesses the relation and forces between the dental arches. In this analysis, not only teeth are analysed, but also every factor involved in the dynamic processes occurring in our mouth. Teeth, gums, implants, prostheses, muscles, joints, etc. are part of a complex system and their interrelation is fundamental for the right functioning of the system.
When we talk about occlusion, the first thought that comes to our mind is orthodontics. However, there are other pathologies and treatments requiring an exhaustive occlusal analysis. Furthermore, there are many conditions like headaches or backaches whose cause may be precisely a bad occlusion.
- Orthodontics
- Dental restorations
- Full arch rehabilitations with removable prosthesis
- Prosthesis over implants +info
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- Myosfascial Pain Syndrome
- Orthognathic surgery
- Bridges and crowns
- Placement of veneers
All these fields need the assessment of occlusion. In our clinic, we treat these problems daily. That’s why we try to count on all the current technology that helps us to improve the diagnosis and the treatment.
Among other things, in the analysis of occlusion we must identify the areas in which the surfaces of the teeth touch. We must check the superior arch fits perfectly in the lower one, with no obstacles. If one side of the mandible bites but the other one doesn’t, there is a problem too. Everything must be aligned!
Occlusal analysis with T-Scan
Using traditional methods, we can check how our teeth fit. However, we cannot figure out the pressure nor the direction the moment of contact. That’s why we use in our clinic the T-Scan system, a last generation ‘toy’ that helps us assessing those parameters. This device does not substitute, but complements the use of articulating paper, waxes and pressure indicator pastes traditionally used.
T-Scan has become the ‘must technology’ in Orthodontics and Implantology. Managing a perfect occlusion is essential during the implant rehabilitation so there is no overloading. Prostheses must fit perfectly, as natural teeth did. Even better: now we can control it, or maybe the patient never had an occlusal analyses before. Regarding Orthodontics, occlusion must be analysed too, as malocclusion is what we try to rectify.
Using T-Scan, the patient doesn’t need to explain the dentist where and what his teeth bump into, as the doctor can see and measure it accurately. This device has a sensor in the shape of a thin layer the patient bites on, and it sends immediately the data to a computer or a tablet. Then we can see the results in 2D or 3D, and analyse them to know what we need to rectify so the bite is correct.
Is the occlusal analysis annoying?
By using this device, patients don’t suffer any pain. On the contrary, it’s really comfortable. It’s easier and more visual to understand what problems need to be solved by this way, or showing the results of the treatment at the end.
To get more info on dental malocclusions, read our post, here.
In Artedental, our dental clinic in Puerto de la Cruz, we offer the best treatments to our patients. That’s why we have innovative facilities, last generation technology and the highest level professionals, both in the clinic and the laboratory.