Published online May 26, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i15.3522
Peer-review started: December 24, 2022
First decision: February 17, 2023
Revised: February 28, 2023
Accepted: April 13, 2023
Article in press: April 13, 2023
Published online: May 26, 2023
Processing time: 152 Days and 13.8 Hours
Digital intraoral scanning, although developing rapidly, is rarely used in occlusal reconstruction. To compensate for the technical drawbacks of current occlusal reconstruction techniques, such as time consumption and high technical requirements, digital intraoral scanning can be used in clinics. This report aims to provide a way of selecting the most suitable maxillo-mandibular relationship (MMR) during recovery.
A 68-year-old man with severely worn posterior teeth underwent occlusal reconstruction with fixed prosthesis using digital intraoral scanning. A series of digital models in different stages of treatment were obtained, subsequently compared, and selected using digital intraoral scanning together with traditional measurements, such as cone beam computed tomography, joint imaging, and clinical examination. Using digital intraoral scanning, the MMR in different stages of treatment was accurately recorded, which provided feasibility for deciding the best occlusal reconstruction treatment, made the treatment process easier, and improved patient satisfaction.
This case report highlights the clarity, recordability, repeatability, and selectivity of digital intraoral scanning to replicate and transfer the MMR during occlusal reconstruction, expanding new perspectives for its design, fabrication, and postoperative evaluation.
Core Tip: Selection of the most appropriate maxillo-mandibular relationship and transfer of occlusal information are crucial steps in occlusal reconstruction. The traditional method is complicated, has high technical sensitivity, and may cause the accumulation of errors. In this case, a digital occlusal relation transfer method was established using digital intraoral scanning to improve the accuracy and efficiency of occlusal reconstruction. This method not only prevents the loss of the optimal maxillo-mandibular relationship but also directly transfers the facial morphology of the temporary prosthesis to the final prosthesis, thus achieving a good transfer of aesthetic and functional information. Digital intraoral scanning makes recording the jaw position relationship between the maxilla and mandible, which is the most important but challenging aspect in the treatment process, clear, recordable, reproducible, and selectable.