3-D Morphological Measurements of Dental Casts with Occlusal Relationship using a Micro-Focus X-ray CT

Abstract

Quantitative measurement of occlusal interaction is important in the diagnosis of occlusion. It is necessary to measure interocclusal contacts and transfer them to the computer model. In this study, we propose a new method to measure occlusal interaction by using a micro-focus X-ray CT. A superimposition procedure for two sets of 3-dimensional dental cast models was established. The upper and lower dental casts mounted on the bite impression were scanned and occlusal interaction, contacts and distance distribution between the casts were visualized by a colored map on the cast models. We successfully demonstrated applicability for quantitative occlusal measurement.