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

– Current state of prosthodontic treatment evolving through visualization and quantification of jaw movement –

Abstract

Dentistry based on digital technology, or so-called digital dentistry, which is driving the progress of modern dentistry, is not only improving dental medical technology, but is also fundamentally changing the very nature of dentistry. However, many clinical procedures related to jaw movement are subjective in nature, relying on the experience and skill of the dentist, and it is very difficult to reflect these in a digital workflow. For this purpose, it is necessary to collect morphological and functional information of the oral and maxillofacial region digitally, integrate and analyze them to visualize and standardize jaw movement as much as possible, and reconcile “Science” and “Art”. In this article, I would like to explain our efforts to streamline the trial-and-error part of daily clinical practice and to systematize and simplify treatment methods using “jaw movement” digital information.