Relation of head posture and occlusal contact area using photo occlusion analysis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Previous studies related with occlusal contact area were limited that interocclusal thickness level or the method of measurement has not been accurate in measuring. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between head posture and occlusal contact area using photo occlusion analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 subjects with complete dentition (44 men, 10 women / 23 to 33 years of age) were included. To identify the relationship between head posture and occlusal contact area, subjects took interocclusal record in maximal intercuspal position with three different positions(supine position (0°) / inclined position (45°) / upright position (90°)) on the dental unit chair. Occlusal contact area was analyzed using photo occlusion analysis. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS ver.25.0 at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Head posture has no significant effect on the changes of occlusal contact area (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: When interocclusal relation is stable, head posture does not change a interocclusal record because head posture has no significant effect on occlusal contact area. Analysis of occlusal contact area using photo occlsion analysis device is useful due to its material property and simplicity.