title: Computerized occlusal analysis: correlation with occlusal indexes to assess the outcome of orthodontic treatment or the severity of malocculusion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of our study were to verify the validity of the T-Scan III system (Tekscan) as an objective occlusal evaluation tool, and to assess the differences between two occlusal indexes-the peer assessment rating (PAR) index and the American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system (OGS)-by comparing the scores derived from the T-Scan III system with the two occlusal indexes and analyzing the correlations between them.
  
  
  METHODS
  The final study sample included 48 adult volunteers (39 men and 9 women, mean age 24.14 ± 3.16 years), after excluding 29 volunteers whose occlusion could not be evaluated by the T-Scan III system due to severe skeletal or occlusal problems. PAR index and OGS scores were assessed using dental study models, and measurements of centric occlusion, protrusive movement, and lateral excursion movement were obtained via the T-Scan III system. The results were analyzed to determine correlations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Occlusal analysis by the T-Scan III system was clinically reliable (p < 0.05), and the PAR index and OGS scores were significantly correlated with several measurements obtained with the T-Scan III system (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The T-Scan III system is a quantitative and reliable method for occlusal evaluation, and represents a potential substitute for occlusal indexes. Compared to the PAR index, the OGS scores of more variables were significantly correlated with the T-Scan measurements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Min
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.
authors.forename: Jin-Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Dental cast analysis; Occlusal evaluation; Orthodontic index; T-Scan