Image analysis of occlusal contacts in the mouth and verticulator

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the
qualitative discrepancy present on the occlusal
surface contact points of teeth 24, 25, 26, and 27 in
different patients as compared to in vivo digital

images and those of models set up in a verticulator. Two patients were selected for this experiment, resulting in six partial models which were, by means of a double arch mold, mounted on a verticulator. A device was designed and manufactured to obtain intra-oral photographs which illustrate the same focal distance and plane. To register the occlusal contacts, a 0.8 mm thick carbon paper and a specific intraoral camera were used. The photographs obtained were duly organized for later comparison and qualitative assessment. Based on the results and the methodology used, it could be concluded that the mechanical device used was effective in reproducing the occlusal contacts in the mouth. The methodology of digitalized images allowed for the qualitative comparisons of those contacts obtained in the mouth and the mechanical device. However, the technique of obtaining intra-oral photographs to achieve a quantitative analysis still requires further development.