ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The importance of occlusal contacts of the natural dentition for durability of teeth, mandibular stabilization, and restorative dentistry is well known. The purpose of this study is to analyze the occlusal contact and guidance pattern of Koreans by evaluating the static occlusion on maximal intercuspal position and measuring dynamic occlusion during straight protrusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal contacts at maximal interincisal position and the occlusal guidance pattern during straight protrusion of 29 subjects were recorded with shimstock foil (Whaledent, Langenau, Germany), T-Scan III (Tekscan Inc., Boston, MA, USA), polyvinylsiloxane registration material (Genie Bite, Sultan Healthcare, Hackensack, NJ, USA) and compared. Occlusal registration procedures were repeated 3 times. The position was fixed to an upright position and the head position was fixed with the Frankfurt horizontal plane paralleling the horizontal plane. Fisher's Exact Test (R-General Public License, ver. 2.14.1) and Pearson's Test were used to assess the significance level of the differences between the experimental groups (alpha=.05). RESULTS: When using shimstock foil, T-Scan III system, and polyvinylsiloxane registration material, most of the patients showed contact on anterior, premolar, and molar teeth during maximal intercuspal position. Approximately 51% of maximal intercuspal position showed anterior contact using shimstock foil. When examining the protrusive movement using shimstock foil and T-Scan III system, guidance pattern with the central incisor was the most common. CONCLUSION: During maximal intercuspal position, there were cases in which not all of the teeth showed occlusal contact. During mandibular protrusive movements, one or more maxillary central incisors frequently joined in straight protrusion and the posterior teeth were disoccluded. Therefore, the anterior teeth protect the posterior teeth, and vice versa. Thus, mutually protected occlusion should be applied when reconstructing occlusion.