ABSTRACT
Objective:To survey the continuous change features of cusp angle in anatomic artificial teeth,and to investigate their effects on occlusal balance.Methods:28 artificial teeth of a complete denture were measured by optical three-dimensional(3D)scan-ner and the corresponding digital models were constructed using the reverse engineering software Surfacer 1 0.5.The working side cusp slopes of lateroprotrusive movement including the maxillary buccal cusp distal slopes and the mandibular buccal cusp mesial slopes were studied.The straight lines from bottom to top of cusp were constructed and the corresponding projected curves in occlusal surface were generated.The angulation values of straight line and the continuous change values of projected curve were calculated.Results:The angulation values of artificial teeth cusp inclination including straight line and corresponding projected curve were obtained.The maxillary working cusp inclination varied from 1 3.7°to 25.6°,and the mandibular working cusp inclination varied from 1 1 .3°to 37.7°.Conclusion:The relatively large differences of the cusp inclination among traditional anatomic artificial teeth and the convex form of the cusp are disadvantage factors to set up stable centric stop and unhindered chew course.