T-Scan Computerised Occlusal Analysis

Dental occlusion refers to the way your teeth meet when you bite together. Ideally, all teeth should come into contact with one another simultaneously with minimal force. As force is applied during chewing the teeth should have multiple stable contacts that spread the load. When this does not happen, the occlusion is unbalanced and problems may result.

Some effects of poor occlusion:

• Early and repeated failure of fillings
• Broken or lost crowns and bridges
• Excess force on implants leading to early failure
• Loosening of teeth and receding gums
• Jaw joint problems – clicking, grinding of joint pain, ringing or buzzing in your ears, difficulty opening or closing your mouth could all be due to teeth not meeting each other properly
• Flattened, worn teeth
• Continual sensitivity of your teeth to temperature change

The event of occlusion, in the absence of food, when the teeth are in a balanced occlusion should take around 0.2 sec. When there are early contacts or interferences between teeth in the bite this period can be extended considerably while the jaw negotiates itself into a position where there are the maximum number of stable tooth contacts. During this extended closure period a great deal of damage can be done to individual teeth, fillings or crowns or the muscles of the jaw can become tense or cramped.

Carbon ribbon, commonly used in dentistry to record the contacts on teeth only identifies the end point of this occlusion process and often overlooks the most damaging contacts. This is a particular problem when implants or dentures are present because the sensory feedback is reduced and overloading can easily occur. These "hidden" tooth contacts are a frequent cause of pain and if left unidentified may result in unnecessary replacement of fillings, root canal treatments and even loss of teeth.

T-Scan is a computer analysed occlusal recording system that accurately identifies the positions and magnitude of the forces exerted on the teeth at 0.01 second intervals during occlusion. It provides a 3-D graphic display of the pressure points and any deflection of the jaw during occlusion and allows the dentist to make the often very minor adjustments necessary to eliminate problems.

A T-Scan occlusal examination is easy. You simply bite down on a thin sensor, which is comfortably shaped to fit the arch of your mouth. The graphical display is available immediately so that the information can be used during routine treatment and repeated to verify any adjustments made to the teeth or restorations