A comparative study of digital and conventional occlusal indicators: accuracy and reliability of the T-Scan Novus, wax occlusogram, and articulating silk in clinical application

Abstract

Objectives

Conventional occlusal analysis methods are increasingly challenged by digital technologies.

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and reliability of currently available conventional and digital occlusal indicators.

Methods

The number and distribution of occlusal contacts in habitual intercuspation (ICP) were recorded in 26 dentate adults using articulating silk (reference method), wax occlusogram, and the digital occlusal analysis system T-Scan Novus. Errors in the number and distribution of contact registration between the methods, as well as inter- and intra-observer agreement, were calculated per dental arch and tooth position.

Results

The distribution of contacts within the dental arch followed a method-independent pattern. Per dental arch, articulating silk recorded 15.3±4.7 contacts, wax occlusogram 14.2±4.6, and the T-Scan 9.4±5.9. Agreement between the methods was highest for incisors and canines and lowest for premolars and molars. ICC for intra- and inter-observer agreement were considerably lower for wax occlusogram (0.36/0.34) than for the T-Scan (0.66/0.58).

Conclusions

Wax occlusogram recorded a higher number of occlusal contacts, whereas the T-Scan systematically registered fewer contacts but demonstrated greater intra- and inter-observer reliability. These differences suggest that conventional methods may provide a broader visualisation of contact distribution, while digital tools offer benefits in terms of reproducibility.

Clinical Significance

Articulating silk and wax occlusogram, register a summation of contacts including premature contacts enabling a more comprehensive occlusal diagnosis. In contrast, the T-Scan may be preferred when the identification of force distribution is the primary focus.