Clinical Research Directory

Clinical Assessment of Dynamic and Static Occlusal Contacts in Direct and Indirect Posterior Restorations

Conventional clinical evaluation of dental occlusion relies predominantly on qualitative indicators such as articulating papers, metallic foils, and silicone-based materials and the accuracy of these indicators may be influenced by material thickness, moisture contamination, and subjective interpretation. Quantitative assessment of occlusal contacts in direct and indirect posterior restorations may help clinicians to establish and maintain harmonious and proper dental occlusion. To assess the level of static and dynamic occlusal contact surfaces in direct and indirect restorations, clinically and quantitatively. Also, to compare outcomes between clinicians with two different levels of clinical experience, immediately and one month after the restorative procedures. Patients requiring restoration for maxillary or mandibular first molars were treated either with direct nanohybrid resin composite (Neo Spectra ST HV A2, Dentsply) restorations or indirect restorations using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) method with hybrid ceramic material (Cerasmart 270 HT A2, GC). The direct (n =30) and indirect (n=30) restorations of postgraduate clinicians and direct restorations (n=30) of undergraduate clinicians (5th grade) were compared immediately (T1) and one month (T2) after the restorative procedures. A single dental technician performed the digital design and the milling of all indirect restorations. Static and dynamic occlusal contact surfaces of the teeth were quantitatively assessed through the collected digital scans by an intraoral scanner (iTero Element 5D, Align), using a computer software program (ChairsideCAD 3.1, Exocad, Align), by setting contact distances to 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 μm, gradually. The static contacts were assessed by calculating the percentage of the occlusal contact surfaces to the entire occlusal contact surface for each restored tooth, using the ImageJ software program (National Institutes of Health). The dynamic contacts were assessed according to the presence (positive) or absence (negative), regarding 4 lateral movements of the mandibular arch (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm on the working side) using a virtual articulator integrated to the ChairsideCAD.

Digitalization of Maxillo-mandibular Relation for Arches With Occlusal Support Loss

Accurate recording of the intermaxillary relationship is crucial for achieving successful restorative outcomes. In cases of occlusal support loss, determining and recording the intermaxillary relationship becomes more complex. This study aims to compare the occlusal compatibility of restorations fabricated using either an intraoral scanner or a jaw motion tracking and analysis device for recording the intermaxillary relationship in patients with occlusal support loss.

Clinical Performance of CAD/CAM Occlusal Splints Fabricated With or Without a Wax Bite Registration in Healthy Adults

Occlusal splints are commonly used to manage sleep bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and tooth wear. Traditionally, a wax bite registration is used during the fabrication of CAD/CAM occlusal splints to determine the vertical dimension and occlusal relationship. New digital techniques allow the splint to be designed without a wax bite registration by virtually increasing the vertical dimension based on maximal intercuspation. This randomized crossover study compares these two fabrication workflows in healthy volunteers. Participants will wear both splints in random order. The study will evaluate patient-reported comfort and clinical performance, including occlusal contacts, force distribution, splint stability, and the occlusal adjustments required during insertion

Evaluation of Occlusal Force and Masticatory Function in Children With Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization

This study aims to evaluate right-left chewing balance and masticatory function in children with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) before and after restorative treatment. MIH is a developmental enamel defect that may cause tooth sensitivity, discomfort during chewing, and functional asymmetry. Children aged 7 to 12 years with bilateral MIH affecting the first permanent molars will receive glass hybrid restorative treatment. Right-left occlusal force distribution will be assessed using a digital occlusal analysis system. In addition, chewing side preference and chewing balance will be evaluated using a standardized chewing gum protocol. These two assessment methods will be used together to provide complementary information about masticatory function. Measurements will be performed before treatment and during follow-up visits after treatment. The findings obtained from children with MIH will also be compared with healthy children without MIH. The study aims to determine whether restorative treatment improves chewing balance and functional oral performance in children with MIH.

Digital Occlusal Analysis and Bite Force Evaluation of the Hall Technique Vs Stainless Steel Crowns in Primary Molars Using T-scan

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare two restorative techniques for managing carious primary molars in children aged 6-9 years: the Hall Technique and conventional stainless-steel crown (SSC) placement. The study evaluates how each technique affects occlusal force distribution, mean bite force, and vertical dimension changes using the T-Scan digital occlusal analysis system. Additional outcomes include temporomandibular joint assessment, child discomfort levels, and parental satisfaction with treatment. Participants are allocated 1:1 to receive either the Hall Technique or conventional SSC restoration, and outcomes are measured at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 2- and 4-week follow-ups. The study aims to determine whether the minimally invasive Hall Technique provides comparable occlusal function and patient-centered outcomes when compared to traditional SSC preparation methods.

Trueness of Digital Occlusal Analysis

The aims of this observational study are to evaluate the trueness of two different digital occlusal analyzers; handheld occlusal analyzer versus intraoral scanner in comparison to conventional methods in identifying true occlusal contacts and to evaluate inter-examiner reliability of two examiners independently analyzing occlusal contacts.