Insights into Occlusal Analysis: Articulating Paper versus Digital Devices
Abstract
Background: As the demand for
digital dentistry constantly increases, digital devices are gradually
replacing conventional methods of recording occlusal contacts. The study
aimed to assess the inter-rater reliability of occlusal contact point
detection using 40 μm articulating paper, Medit i700, and OccluSense and
to compare the distribution of occlusal contacts using the articulating
paper and intraoral scanner.
Material and Methods: The study
included 25 participants aged 20 to 30 (13 women and 12 men).
Photographs of contact points were taken and marked in maximum
intercuspal position (MIP), in protrusive and laterotrusive movements,
on working and non-working sides using 40 μm articulating paper and
digital devices. The Cohen’s Kappa coefficient assessed the inter-rater
reliability. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare dependent
groups, articulating paper, and Medit i700.
Results: The Cohen’s
Kappa index showed that almost perfect agreement was achieved with 40
μm articulating paper. Compared to Medit i700, the 40 μm articulating
paper showed an increased mean number of contacts per tooth, except for
the third molars.
Conclusions: The 40 μm articulating paper has
detected more overall contacts than the digital devices, particularly in
the posterior areas. An ideal method for registering occlusal contacts
has not been established yet.
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