The Accuracy of Occlusal Analysis of Intraoral Scanner, Occlusense and Articulating Paper - A Comparative Study

Background/objective: precise identification of occlusal contacts is important in restorative and prosthetic den-tistry to provide lasting stability and function. Although articulating paper is the standard method for evaluating occlusion, modern device like intraoral scanners (IOS) and occlusense provide digital alternative that may improve accuracy and utility. Methods: a customized cast using an intraoral scanner and 3D printer and was mounted to semi adjustable ar-ticulator. Occlusal contact was measured utilizing articulating paper 80 μm, occluSense, and an intraoral scanner IOS under a constant force of 200 N in (MIP). Each procedure was carried out seven times. Contact areas and points have been assessed by tracing JPEG image in AutoCAD software. The surface area and number of contacts point mean value were calculated for standardized comparison. The introral scanner (3shape) data was super-imposed to occluSense. Results: the articulating paper displayed the greatest number of contact points, whilst the IOS demonstrated the least contact number yet showed the most extensive surface area. OccluSense revealed modern contact numbers and surface area while establishing the greatest consistency. Statistical analysis indicated significant variation in contact point detection (P < 0.01), although no significant variation were seen in surface area (P=0.40). Spearman’s Correlation Matrix Between Total Surface Area and Number of Contact values demonstrated strong to positive correlation among technique. Conclusions: while each technique has its strength and limitation, occluSense showed to be the most reliable and consistent for identifying occlusal, and the intraoral scanner demonstrated limited precision in revealing occlusal contacts when used alone. By combining and superimposing the spatial data from IOS with the functional insight from OccluSense, they could provide more efficient data to establish a comprehensive and clinically useful oc-clusal evaluation.