Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case, Dentist

      Proper analysis of the bite or occlusion before treatment is completed will ensure optimal final results for each patient. Dr. Plascyk acomplishes this with an "Oclusal Analysis, Mounted Case".

(courtesy of http://www.dentallabs.co.uk/facebow.htm) 

 


What is an “Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case”?

An “Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case” is the official American Dental Association description for a comprehensive procedure to analyze a patient’s bite. An "Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case" requires that models of a patient's teeth are mounted on a tool called an articulator. The models are mounted or attached to the articulator using measurements and data taken from the patient's jaw structures. The mounted models are then analyzed to determine what is wrong with a patient's bite and what treament needs to be completed to balance it. Ideally, an "Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case" should be completed before doing any comprehensive dental treatment such as, cosmetic dentistry (porcelain veneers), Invisalign, braces or crown and bridge treatment if there are signs that the bite is unbalanced. By doing the analysis before completing the final treatment, Dr. Plascyk can optimize  the cosmetic, functional and longevity results for his patients. An "Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case" is also used for patients suffering from TMD (TMJ) pain and incorrect functioning of the jaw.

 

When is an “Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case” indicated for a patient?

An “Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case” is indicated by Dr. Plascyk for the following cases:

  • Pain or incorrect functioning of the jaw muscles and/or jaw joint (TMJ)
  • Excessive wear of the teeth
  • History of multiple crowns and/or bridges
  • History of multiple root canals
  • History of periodontal (gum and bone) disease
  • Current periodontal disease
  • History of teeth becoming more crowded and crooked over time
  • History of teeth becoming more spaced or flared over time
  • Loose teeth
  • Fractured and chipped teeth 

 

The following are pictures of teeth that I routinely see in the mouths of my Charlotte, NC area patients. The damage to these teeth was caused by unbalanced bites.

 (click on pictures to make them larger)

 

 

  

 Basic Steps for an "Occlusal Analysis, Mounted Case":

1) Impressions of the teeth are take are taken so models can be made from the impressions.

  2) Measurements are taken of the patients jaw.

             

 3) The measuring instrument (facebow) is used to mount the model of the upper teeth to the articulator.

4) A deprogrammer is made for the patient. The deprogrammer will relax the patient's jaw muscles and allow the lower jaw to settle in the jaw joint (TMJ) in the most correct position.

              

 5) Deprogrammer inserted in the patients mouth. It will be worn for a minimum of three days.

6) The position of the lower jaw is recored with a wax bite while wearing the deprogrammer.

            

 7) The wax bite is used to mount the lower model of the teeth to the upper model.

            

 8) Now that the models are properly related to each other, Dr. Plascyk can analyze the patient's bite to see what treatment is needed to treat it.

 

©2009 Paul Plascyk, DDS • Site designed and maintained by TNT Dental