Occlusal adjustment in the digital era – A working protocol

Abstract

The closest possible coincidence between centric occlusion (CO) and centric relation (CR) is a meaningful goal of orthodontic treatment. Teeth should be related in a cusp-fossa interaction, with bilateral and symmetrical occlusal contacts and mandibular excursions without interferences. At a joint level, condyles should be well-seated in the glenoid fossae, without mandibular functional accommodations and muscular balance. To provide long-term stability of treatment results. Occlusal adjustment is one of the clinical procedures that help fine-tune this resulting occlusal relationship.

Traditional analog diagnostic methods can be upgraded to digital static and dynamic current technologies. Occlusal adjustment today can be integrated with digital flow and mounting by analyzing premature contacts after scanning the patient. The clinical procedure of selective grinding may be simple and reproducible by acquiring adequate knowledge, following the ten guidelines presented in this paper, and implementing judicious clinical skills. Since tooth structure preservation while achieving functional occlusal goals is of utmost importance.

Eight possible clinical scenarios where occlusal adjustment is indicated are presented. They can occur before, during, or after treatment, allowing for a better finish of the orthodontic case. The situations begin with diagnosis, followed by arch coordination, transverse, vertical, sagittal issues, rotations, upper and lower coupling, and relapse.