This paper describes a means to create an occlusal profile that includes all jaw positions in closed contact. Occlusal contacts, intensity of contact and wear patterns are addressed.

Keywords: Occlusal contact, Implants, Contact intensity, Occlusal profiles

A profile is an outline of a visible object. We use five profile pictures to describe an occlusion of a working case. The five occlusal jaw/tooth contact positions are: central, left lateral, right lateral, protrusive and retrusive. These positions represent the occlusal contact border movements that all people exhibit in chewing and movement exercises. Contact positions are important because they dictate jaw movement in a closed position. That is where we chew, grind and clench. This short paper exhibits a means to profile occlusal contact jaw positions and their movements in their respective closed jaw positions. Static occlusal contact positions and dynamic contact positions are recorded and referred to periodically to assess one’s occlusal health. Changes in occlusal contact size, shape, location, or intensity may signify a pathological situation. We use a triple tray and a non-set reusable instant silicone gel material to extract intra oral contact information [1]. The flow properties of the impression material allow us to record tooth contact as it applies to jaw movement in a closed position. We process the impression using a light box to trans illuminate the impression at a fixed distance from the camera and image analysis (Image J) to process the information so that we can measure occlusal contact position, surface area, and contact intensity upon closure [2]. It is clearly visible that each profile of five jaw positions is unique as are jaw movements related to the occlusal contact areas (Figure 1). Occlusal equilibration or adjustment should include all parameters of movement [3]. Contact study includes viewing the intensity of contact along with the many wear facets and worn areas associated with grinding, eating and closed jaw movement (Figure 1). An enlarged view of a left lateral movement is also included to emphasize contact intensity that may occur upon excursive movement (Figure 2). Implants do not have a periodontium to adjust to occlusal forces therefore recording occlusal contact intensity becomes significant. Prematurities that interfere with various movements can be highlighted and adjusted to blend in with the mixed dentition. Wear and wear patterns can be assessed. The variation in biting surfaces and intensity of the bite add to the complexity of providing a balanced occlusion [3]. There is no alternative means to record changes in intensity. The use of an impression material assures repeatable closures [4]. Digital procedures do not use impression materials so positional movements upon full closure may vary along with changes in intensity. Recording movement and intensity of closure with an impression gel material provides a unique procedural change in how we assess the occlusion [5]. Contact intensity is not included upon dental examination [6]. Using a colored silicone gel to record intensity is unique because as force upon closure increases so does the increase in intensity as shown in the images. The greater the opposing force on occlusal contact the thinner the gel becomes and light transmission increases which is recorded in the occlusal images. Intensity of occlusal contact is not indicated using conventional methods. Adjusting an occlusion without a baseline is common practice [4]. Occlusal marking devices are not tested for accuracy. Intensity of contact is an unknown. More clinical research of occlusal contact indicators is needed along with ADA standards to determine the veracity of occlusal contact marking devices.

1. Millstein PL, Merrill EW (2022) Occlusal Contact Recordings in Static and Functional Occlusion: Description of an Observational Method. J Dent Oral Implant 2(4): 10-13. 2021
2. Millstein PL, Sabrosa CE, Yung Wai, Geber K (2021) Occlusal Contacts for Implant Dentistry. Oral Health Dent Manag 20(6): 1-2. 2021
3. Personal communication. Dr. Max Perlitch Professor (ret) of Occlusion and Periodontics at Tufts School Dental Medicine Boston, MA, USA. July, 2025.
4. Millstein PL, Sabrosa CE, Yung Wai (2022) A Pressure Sensitive Occlusal Contact Indicator for Implant Restorations: An Observational Clinical Evaluation. J Dent Oral Implant 2(4): 14-19. 2022
5. Millstein PL, Sabrosa CE, Florencio S, Geber K. Consistency and Repeatability of Digitized Occlusal Records. Int J Res Rep Dent 3(2): 24-29. 2020
6. Risciotti E, et al. Digital Protocol to Record Occlusal Analysis in Prosthodontics: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 13(5): 1370. 2024.