Occlusal contact variation with changes in head position.
Ten healthy young adults were examined for changes in occlusal contacts related to three head positions: supine, sitting, and head forward. The contacts were analyzed using T-Scan special research software, which measured the time moments of the first five occlusal contacts. Time moment is a descriptive term calculated from a formula that considers both spatial (where contacts are) and temporal (when contact occurs) aspects of tooth contact and provides a quantitative basis for comparing the dynamics of tooth contact. Paired head positions were analyzed for differences using Student's t test, and it appears that in healthy young adults, initial tooth contacts are substantially influenced by posture.
Chapman
R J
RJ
Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston 02111.
Maness
W L
WL
Osorio
J
J
D000328:Adult; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture