Claudia Șoaita, Sorin Popșor
The aim of the study was to determine the variability of occlusal parameters after orthodontic treatment by reducing as many of the variables associated with subjects and means of treatment. It also analyses the differences between clinical assessment and objective means of evaluation of occlusion. Material and methods Twenty nine typodonts were created by setting the teeth in the same silicone mould. They were individually treated by orthodontic residents using the same technique. Occlusal analysis using T-Scan III system was performed before and after orthodontic treatment. Results The number of contact areas after the treatment was significantly larger than before treatment, with p<0.0001. The force distribution on the left side before and after the treatment revealed a significantly increase in distribution of forces on left side and a decrease on the right side after the treatment. Conclusions Simulated orthodontic treatment lead to a significantly increase in occlusal contact area, occlusal distribution being favourably altered, but not describing a balanced occlusion. Variability of the results obtained after treatment is explained by factors related to typodonts and orthodontists. Finishing is mandatory for obtaining a functional occlusion and enhancing stability.