The clinical value of digital occlusal analysis in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular disorders. A review of the literature.

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a muscular subset of temporomandibular joint disorders, that can cause orofacial pain. They can be triggered by overactive masticatory muscles due to prolonged disclusion times (DT), occlusal interferences, and occlusal surface friction. Regarding diagnostics, digital occlusal analysis systems are used to determine the parameters of opposing tooth contact and pressure, the ratio of forces on the right and left sides of the oral cavity, to accurately calculate disclusion and occlusion times, and to precisely measure resultant force during maximum and partial intercuspidation. Even though they can be an appropriate tool in modern orthodontic and prosthodontics treatments, these methods are rarely used for patients undergoing multidisciplinary treatment. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge on the clinical application of digital occlusal analysis in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders using next-generation systems (T-Scan Novus III, Occlusense) and to identify future research directions for the use of this technology.