Comparative Effectiveness of Intraoral Scanners and Articulating Paper in Occlusal Contact Analysis

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the accuracy of maximum intercuspation analysis using both conventional articulating paper and three digital intraoral scanners. The goal was to determine the reliability and equivalency of traditional and digital methods in recording occlusal contact points. Methods: Ten subjects underwent occlusal contact point analysis using articulating paper, 3Shape® Trios 3, Omnicam Cerec®, and Medit i700® intra-oral scanners. Results were compared visually and statistically to evaluate method equivalence. Results: Analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the accuracy of occlusal contact points among the four methods tested, confirming the reliability of both traditional and digital approaches. Conclusion: Articulating paper remains a reliable tool for occlusal analysis, even with the advent of advanced intraoral scanners. The findings support the feasibility of using any of the tested scanners for accurate occlusal contact analysis. This study underscores the potential for integrating both conventional and digital methods, depending on clinical needs and available technology, without compromising diagnostic accuracy.