In the age of digital dentistry, the need for a deeper understanding of jaw movement

– To observe and diagnose the invisible –

Abstract

In recent years, the fabrication of prosthetic devices is rapidly changing from the traditional method using mechanical articulators to using CAD/CAM systems. However, it was still difficult to answer clearly even which occlusal surface morphology has superior functionality. To answer the above, it is necessary to have a means to “observe and diagnose” invisible things such as dynamic occlusal contact and condylar movement, and to integrate and analyze jaw movement data and morphological data of the oral and maxillofacial region to standardize as much of “occlusion and jaw movement” as possible. In this article, we will introduce our research activities on “next-generation dental CAD/CAM system” that enables the examination and diagnosis of jaw function and the design and fabrication of prosthetic devices and explain the necessity of deeper understanding for jaw movement in the age of digital dentistry.