The Development of Three-dimensional Analyzing System of Occlusal Tooth Contacts

• Published in: Nihon Hotetsu Shika Gakkai Zasshi Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 53 - 63
• Main Author: Okubo, Yukiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Prosthodontic Society 01.02.1992
• Subjects: jaw movement; occlusal contact; three-dimensional morphology of tooth surface
• ISSN: 0389-5386; 1883-177X
• DOI: 10.2186/jjps.36.53

This study provides the three-dimensional analyzing system of occlusal tooth contacts. The three-dimensional measurement of tooth surface was done by using the three-dimensional contact digitizer with a touch sensor probe. Tooth surfaces were digitized with 250 micrometer scanning grid. Jaw movement data were recorded by using the six-degree-of-freedom digital jaw movement tracking device (MM-JI). The three-dimensional morphology measurements of tooth surfaces were coupled with the jaw movement data and visualized on the graphic terminal. When the distance between the upper and lower occlusal facets was less than 200 micrometer, the reference point of measurements was set at the tooth contact site. Occlusal contacts at any jaw position in functional movements can be visualized on the graphic terminal. This system will be very useful for analysis of relationships between occlusal surface and jaw movement.