Visual analysis of dynamic occlusion in a virtual articulator

The function of articulator analysis is to provide a detailed visual presentation of functional occlusion. The mechanical situation using a cast can only approximately reflect the actual biological situation. This article will present a new computer-based system and will illustrate its mode of operation with examples. In this study, the occlusal surfaces of mandibular and maxillary dental arches were first digitized using a 3D scanner and real mandibular movements were then recorded using an ultrasonic measuring system (Jaw Motion Analyser [JMA]). A coupling component of the JMA system that was used clinically provided a precise record of the spatial position of the mandible and was used for referencing both sets of data. A feature of the method presented here was the option to visualize the results "live" and simultaneously with the movement of the patient's mandible. This allowed a 3D view of the arch positions during mastication from any perspective. To analyze the intercuspidation, dynamic images were generated in which the proximity areas and contact areas were marked. It was then possible to visualize the tooth contact relationships with the help of tomograms. This allowed the authors to display the size, position and number of dynamic contact areas, and the frequency with which the contact areas of the occlusal surfaces occluded. Keywords: virtual articulator, virtual occlusion, dynamic occlusion, occlusal contacts, occlusion