OccluSense Technology to analyse occlusion .

The examination of the quality of occlusion is not only a diagnosis of dental bite, but also the examination of subjective and objective symptoms, the causes of their occurrence and development, the clinical picture of the disease in a particular patient, his physical and mental health, the degree of changes which make up the nature of the disease.

The definition of occlusion may vary from the static contact between teeth to performing vital functions such as chewing, breathing, speech and swallowing.

A narrow definition of the term occlusion is a relationship of dentitions to each other when facial muscles contract and the lower jaw moves. In a static state, the position of the teeth relative to each other is called a bite.

However, the dentistry claims that the definition of occlusion should not be limited to the contacts of the teeth and their relative position, but should take into account the dynamic, morphological and functional relationships between all components of the masticatory system — not only the teeth and supporting tissues, but also the neuromuscular system, temporomandibular joint and skull.

Occlusion control consists in checking the following factors:

• - An even (with the same intensity) contact of the teeth. None of them should take on excessive loading.
• - The anterior teeth guide the posterior teeth with any movement of the jaw.
• - The absence of trauma to the oral mucosa and soft palate.
• - Free functional movements. No problems with chewing solid food, articulation, breathing, no clicks and pain during jaw movements.
• - Correct shape and position of incisors. No diastema or crowding. This affects their normal contact during functional movements.
• - No changes in the shape of the face (forward mental prominence, backward mental displacement, asymmetry of the upper and lower lips).

There is a general consensus that the lateral teeth should have even, simultaneous bilateral contact in a position without joint tension. Ways to eliminate occlusal disorders may be different.

Abrasion and destruction of teeth and crowns, periodontal injuries and changes in the shape of the face are possible in occlusal pathologies. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, stomatitis may develop; loosening and early tooth loss may occur.

Checking normal occlusion 

OccluSense® uses a disposable, flexible 60-micron electronic sensor (nearly twice as thin as A4 paper) with a colour coating which can record distribution of pressure at contact points in a static state and dynamics. It is possible to fix 256 levels of pressure. In addition, for clarity, the red coating of the sensor leaves traces in the places of contact on the patient's teeth.

Using this system, it is easy to fix not only unwanted tooth contacts. Thanks to the mobile application, the dentist sees in real time and in different colours the graphic distribution of occlusal pressure in the entire dental arch while chewing. This facilitates the planning of individual patient care. Recordings are saved on the iPad. They can be viewed, exported at any time; data can be compared before and after treatment.

If necessary, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination are additionally used to control occlusion:

• - intra- and extraoral radiography;
• - tomography;
• - intraoral panoramic radiography.

Methods of occlusal correction 

Occlusal defects can be corrected at any age, but treatment is faster in children. Our clinic uses the following methods:

• - Orthodontic plates. They can be removable. In this case, the plates are made of hypoallergenic plastic and are attached with hooks. Non-removable plates are a metal or plastic arch with rings (attachments on the teeth). The devices are effective for milky and mixed bite, that is, for children under 12 years. To construct such a plate, the patient undergoes an X-ray of the jaws and the cast is made. After fixation, activation is performed.

• - Trainers. These are removable transparent silicone devices which are put on the teeth. Trainers are effective corrective systems which correct dentofacial defects in children aged 5–6 years. Trainers are used for minor occlusal defects or when it is impossible to install braces. They are especially effective for children and restore proper nasal breathing, normalize swallowing function and the position of the tongue to improve diction.

• Orthodontic splints or aligners. These removable devices are made of plastic. Several splints are used in sequence during treatment.

• Braces. These are orthodontic non-removable devices installed on the internal or external side of the dentition. Braces consist of a special arc and locks or brackets for attaching to teeth. They are used both for children, adolescents and adults. Modern braces can be metal, ceramic, sapphire.

• Surgery. It is performed in cases if other methods are ineffective. In patient under general anaesthesia, the bone tissue is dissected in the curvature zone and correction is performed.
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Cost of occlusal correction

The price of the procedure to analyse occlusion using the OccluSense® apparatus is 1,300 UAH. In this case, our doctor-curator will conduct a complete examination of the patient and give the necessary recommendations.

The cost of correcting occlusal defects depends on many factors, for example:

• - The need for pretreatment of the oral cavity.
• - Correction method.
• - The complexity and specificity of the design of installed devices or surgical intervention.

It is widely believed that occlusion can be corrected only in childhood or adolescence. This is not true. With the help of innovative techniques, the specialists of our clinic will help to cope with the problems even of the elderly. Make an appointment for a consultation!