Title: Occlusal management: The contribution of new technologies
Abstract:
Occlusal evaluation is a routine clinical procedure, ranging from simple occlusal adjustments to the placement of prosthetic restorations. Advances in digital technologies and virtual reality have significantly transformed this process, allowing clinicians to move beyond traditional color-transfer methods and to digitally visualize static and dynamic occlusal contacts. This work aims to present contemporary digital approaches for assessing static and dynamic occlusion, including optical impression systems, electronic bite registration devices with pressure-sensitive sensors, and mandibular kinematic modeling tools. A literature review and analysis was carried out using PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, focusing on publications from the past 10 years examining their technical characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Current technologies make it possible to integrate multiple 3D datasets—such as dental arches, facial soft tissues, and cranial structures. Recording mandibular movements allows for the development of a 4D virtual patient. The introduction of jaw-tracking systems has profoundly changed the way clinicians analyze and manage their patients, providing unprecedented precision and customization. Whether diagnosing temporomandibular disorders or designing individualized restorations, these systems improve clinical accuracy while streamlining workflows. As these technologies continue to progress, they are expected to further transform dental care, making it increasingly precise, efficient, and patient centered.
