International Journal of Computerized Dentistry, 01/2008

Visualization of the dynamic occlusion is one of the central tasks in both clinical dentistry and dental engineering. Many aspects of dynamic occlusion, such as the interocclusal function in the posterior region, cannot be seen directly clinically and at best can be recorded with contact paper. Therefore, analyses of the dynamic occlusion using mounted models in the articulator are unavoidable in many cases for reproduction of dynamic occlusion. However, the reproduction of dynamic occlusion in the mechanical articulator has clear restrictions inherent to the process, but also caused by biological variability. Virtual articulators can expediently supplement mechanical articulators, since with them it is possible to display in relation to time unusual and extraordinary perspectives, such as sectional images and flowing, sliding contact points. One of the latest developments in the field of virtual articulation is the 3D virtual articulation system module of the Zebris company, D-Isny. By means of a specially developed coupling tray, 3D-scanned rows of teeth can be matched with computerized motion recordings of mandibular function. The software displays the movements of the 3D-scanned rows of teeth not only with jaw motion but also with chewing motion - therefore movements under chewing pressure - in real time and facilitates special analytical methods transcending mechanical occlusion analysis in conventional articulators: This includes displays of the strength of the contact points and surfaces, the occurrence of the contact points in relation to time, sectional images of the dentition, analyses of the interocclusal gap in the occlusal region, etc. This software and its possibilities are described and explained by reference to individual cases. Palabras clave: virtual articulator, virtual occlusion, dynamic occlusion, occlusal contacts, occlusion

There are an increasing number of studies about the computer-assisted dental patient simulator DentSim (DenX, Israel), by which dental students can acquire cognitive motor skills in a multimedia environment. However, only a very few studies have been published dealing with efficient ways to use and to manage a computer- assisted dental simulation lab with 40 DentSim units. The current approach and optimization steps of the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center were evaluated based on theoretical and practical tests and by questionnaires (partial 5-point Likert scale). Half of the D1 (first-year) students (2004/05) already had experience with computer-assisted learning at their undergraduate college and most of the students even expected to be taught via computer-assisted learning systems (83.5%) at the dental school. 87.3% of the students working with DentSim found the experience to be very interesting or interesting. Before the students carried out the preparation exercises, they were trained in the skills they needed to work with the sophisticated technology, eg, system-specific operation skills (66.6% attained maximal reachable points) and information searching skills (79.5% attained maximal reachable points). The indirect knowledge retention rate / incidental learning rate of the preparation exercises in the sense of computer-assisted problem-oriented learning regarding anatomy, preparation procedures, and cavity design was promising. The wide- ranging number of prepared teeth needed to acquire the necessary skills shows the varied individual learning curves of the students. The acceptance of, and response to, additional elective training time in the computer-assisted simulation lab were very high. Integrating the DentSim technology into the existing curriculum is a way to improve dental education, but it is also a challenge for both teachers and the students. It requires a shift in both curriculum and instructional goals that have to be reevaluated and optimized continuously. Palabras clave: computer-assisted learning, computer-assisted simulation, DentSim, virtual reality simulator system, problem-oriented learning, digital tutor function

A description of the dental condition known as amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is discussed along with a unique indirect restorative technique utilizing CAD/CAM technology.

Computerized occlusal analysis is becoming the principal tool available to clinicians with which to understand functional and parafunctional forces of occlusal contact, contact timing sequences, and occlusal surface interface pressures, which arise as teeth mill against each other during mandibular movements. Because recent research on articulating paper has revealed that articulating paper mark size does not measure occlusal forces predictably, the modern clinician needs to employ an occlusal contact measuring device that can reliably determine aberrant occlusal force concentrations and time prematurities. Computerized occlusal analyses can be used to guide the operator as to which tooth contact locations require appropriate occlusal adjustments. When inserting Cerec restorations, computerized occlusal analysis can be employed to target excessive force concentrations and time premature contacts to better preserve the Cerec materials, than can be accomplished with "articulating paper-only" occlusal adjusting. This paper describes the evolution of computerized occlusal analysis, the system attributes, and illustrates its use in case-finishing Cerec bonded lingual guidance veneers.