Using TekScan to Find and Eliminate Occlusal Problems

Occlusion refers to the way the teeth mesh together. Problems with proper meshing can lead to pain in the teeth, muscles and TMJ, fractured teeth and restorations, and the pathological grinding of the teeth called bruxism.

Proper occlusal function can be incredibly complex, since an interference the thickness of a human hair can lead to the above problems.

In our office, we have an instrument called the Tek Scan, a computerized bite analysis instrument, which allows us to be extremely concise in adjusting bite relations. Unlike the typical carbon-type bite checking paper which only shows where a contact is, the Tek Scan identifies the contact through the computer on a real-time basis, showing the bite force intensity of each contact throughout the mouth in 0.1 second intervals. This allows us to adjust the occlusion and provide a level of restorative service, functionally balancing tooth, periodontal support, and muscular activity, with a degree of precision never before attainable.

Do you have pain in your temples or jaw joint? (take the full quiz) Are your teeth sore or sensitive? Dr. Markus has many methods for treating these problems. Often, after initial examination, Dr. Markus will recommend an occlusal appliance, or night guard. This is a hard acrylic appliance fabricated to the specifications of each patient's needs.

Once the appliance is comfortable and leads to muscle relaxation, the next step is to perform an occlusal analysis. Using state of the art technology, Dr. Markus evaluates how the teeth function while chewing using an instrument called the Tekscan.

Usually malocclusion can be corrected very simply with a technique called bite adjustment. This is a pain-free, anesthesia-free procedure. Other options for treating malocclusion may include crowns, or even going back into braces for a while.

What does the T-Scan II Occlusal Analysis system do?

The T-Scan II system measures relative occlusal force and timing. This provides dentists with the ability to finish their patients' treatment to higher level of excellence What does the T-Scan II provide that articulating paper does not?

The T-Scan offers many benefits that are impossible to obtain from articulating paper alone. Articulating paper does not show the sequential order of individual occlusal surfaces coming into contact with the relative force of one contact to another. The only proven way to obtain timing and force of occlusal contacts is with the T-Scan. As evidenced in research, articulating paper only provides tooth locations; it cannot display time or force.

Is it safe?

Yes. The T-Scan II system conforms to the United States UL 544 standards as well as the European EN-60601-1, EN55011, IEC601-1-2, IEC801-2, IEC801-3, IEC801-4, IEC801-5 standards. It qualifies as type BF equipment and has been tested and approved by both the CE and ETL (ETL Testing Laboratories).

Excellent Documentation and Patient Communication

After recording a T-Scan occlusal movie you can store the data in the computer and retrieve it as needed. T-Scan's vivid, full-color graphics can be transferred into other documents for patient records or insurance reports. These same images can be used to raise our patient education standard to the next level. We find that our patients are fascinated and impressed when they can see for themselves the improvements you've made to their "bite' in color video!

The graphic representations produced by the T-Scan are not only easy to understand by the treating clinician, but also create a beneficial tool for our patients, to help them visualize and understand the nature and degree of their occlusal disharmony. It's a wonderful clinical and teaching aid.


Pre Treatment Example of a non-simultaneous occlusal contact sequence during mandibular closure
into maximum intercuspation

Post Treatment Example of a non-simultaneous occlusal contact sequence during mandibular closure into maximum intercuspation Measure Force and Time

Because the T-Scan can measure force over time, it is an indispensable tool for appraising the sequential relationships of a mandibular excursion. Dentists can view, on screen, a patient sliding from their normal fully clenched bite position into a lateral excursion. This is instrumental in locating occlusal interferences, determining the relative force on each interference, and evaluating the potential for trauma caused by the occlusal interferences.

Imagine how useful this is on a long span fixed prosthesis built upon implants, or any dental case where occlusion plays a role.

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