Critical flaws in the T-Scan digital occlusion analysis system

Abstract

Abstract The T-Scan digital occlusion analysis system has previously been criticized for its use of artefactual measurements. Far more than the traditional clinical occlusion detecting armamentaria (paper, film and silk), its crown-sensor-crown configured force measurements misrepresent the actual crown-crown contact forces. Yet another defect, thus far unaddressed, is the misapplication of basic Newtonian static equilibrium principles, presumably the basis of their (proprietary) numerical algorithm. The approach requires the complete characterization (magnitudes, directions and points of application (or the lines-of-action)) of the occlusal contact force vectors. Instead, because of inherent sensor limitations, their elaborate mechanics calculations rely on artefactual force magnitudes, assumed directions, and estimated contact locations. Thus, the seemingly impressive T-Scan analyses are, essentially, groundless.