T Scan – An aid in achieving stable occlusion during finishing stages of orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Superficial clinical examination of occlusion and just assessing the morphologic relationship of teeth at the finishing stages of orthodontic treatment may be insufficient. A case with a clinically satisfying occlusion may be functionally unbalanced. Evaluating occlusion both statically and functionally for uniform distribution of occlusal load is essential for optimum results and therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the occlusal contacts in the vertical plane. The aim of the study was to quantitatively assess the occlusion at the pre finishing stage of orthodontic treatment using T Scan in order to identify the various occlusal variabilities and compare it to the occlusion achieved after 1 month of completion of orthodontic treatment. Quantitative occlusal analysis using T Scan was performed on 16 adult patients at the start of finishing stage (T1) followed by a detailed finishing and settling phase of 2 months. Another scan was taken 1 month after debonding (T2). Using Wilcoxon matched pair test, statistically significant changes were seen in mandibular position and occlusal contacts at T2 as compared to T1. Relatively equal distribution of forces on both sides of the arch was also achieved after a detailed finishing and settling phase. Evaluation of the number and distribution of occlusal contacts at the end of active orthodontic treatment has not been a routine procedure in orthodontic clinics. 2 months of extensive finishing and detailing phase resulted in marked improvement in all three parameters and favorable changes in occlusion. Hence, evaluation of occlusion using T Scan is an innovative and objective method, emphasizing that proper finishing is mandatory for obtaining functionally stable occlusion.