Seminars in Orthodontics
Seminars in Orthodontics
Seminars in Orthodontics
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A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: The field of orthodontics strives to achieve an aesthetic, healthy, and stable occlusion. However, traditional prac-
Centric relation tices often assess occlusion in maximum intercuspidation without adequately considering the biomechanics of the
Jaw tracking systems temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to overlooking critical occlusal factors. This perspective paper
Temporomandibular disorders
revisits the debate on the role of occlusion in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and evaluates the efficacy of
TMD
Occlusion
current treatment approaches, emphasizing the limitations of conventional methods and the lack of evidence sup-
porting joint-oriented orthodontics. By integrating jaw tracking systems and digital workflows, a comprehensive
evaluation of dynamic and static occlusion with realistic mandibular movement allows for a more individualized
treatment approach to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
It should be recognized that occlusal factors have been identified as It should be noted that the influence of premature contacts is not lim-
contributing to the development of temporomandibular disorders ited to TMD but is also strongly associated with the development of non-
(TMD).2 While some research suggests that occlusal factors should not carious cervical lesions (NCCL), suggesting that non-axial occlusal forces
Abbreviations: MI, maximum intercuspidation; TMD, temporomandibular disorders; CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy; CR, centric relation; CT, counseling therapy;
NCCL, non-carious cervical lesions; JTS, jaw tracking systems
* Corresponding author at: University of Witten/Herdecke, Department of Orthodontics, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 45, 58455 Witten, Germany.
E-mail address: sachin.chhatwani@uni-wh.de (S. Chhatwani).
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.sodo.2024.06.008
1073-8746/© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
nc-nd/4.0/)
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S. Chhatwani et al. Seminars in Orthodontics 31 (2025) 11−17
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S. Chhatwani et al. Seminars in Orthodontics 31 (2025) 11−17
Fig. 4. Scanned articulated plaster casts in CR imported to OnyxCeph (Image Instruments GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany); A − frontal view, B − lateral view, C- upper jaw
occlusal view with contact points, D − lower jaw occlusal view with contact points
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Fig. 5. Visualization of the calculated hinge axis and the arbitrary axis − Twim Software (Modjaw, Villeurbanne, France)
of intraoral scanners in orthodontics has led to the potential benefits of a aid in providing a reconstruction of individual patient movement and
full digital workflow. Historically, the joint-oriented full digital work- thereby a more realistic treatment approach40, with accurate informa-
flow in orthodontics was more than challenging. One innovative tion of the intermaxillary relationship41, and also allow the full digital
approach for treatment diagnosis and dynamic evaluation of mandibular workflow for joint-oriented treatment modalities in dentistry.
movements in real time required the utilization of cone-beam computed The technology employed in JTS varies, with magnetometry, ultra-
tomography which resulted in additional radiation exposure.38 Further- sound, photometry, and infrared optical systems being the primary
more, the available system at that time (Sicat, Bonn, Germany)39 did not options currently available.42
allow to perform orthodontic setups and could therefore only be used as The Modjaw device is based on photometrics and is designed to be
diagnostic tool. Alternatively mounted plaster models had to be scanned used with a headband that includes four markers. The concept of the
in a modelscanner capable of scanning with articulators (e.g. Zirkonzahn jaw tracking system using markers originates from the field of animation
GmbH S600 Arti, Gais, Italy) with the obtained digital models at CR to film, where human subjects were outfitted with markers and their move-
be imported into an orthodontic treatment planning software (Fig. 4). ments were recorded. The motions were used to animate characters in films.
Utilization of jaw tracking systems (JTS) like Modjaw (Modjaw, Vil-
leurbanne, France) or DMD (Ignident GmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany)
Fig. 6. Intraoral model scans with relationship of pre- and post calculated axis.
The blue arrow shows the arbitrary hinge axis and the yellow arrow shows the Fig. 7. Rotation around the true hinge axis into first contact position referred as
new calculated hinge axis − Twim Software (Modjaw, Villeurbanne, France) centric relation − Twim Software (Modjaw, Villeurbanne, France)
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S. Chhatwani et al. Seminars in Orthodontics 31 (2025) 11−17
Fig. 8. Changes in occlusal contact points, A: maximum intercuspidation MI, B: centric relation CR − Twim Software (Modjaw, Villeurbanne, France)
Fig. 9. Superimposition on upper jaw and color coded heat map for lower jaw changes from maximum intercuspidation MI to centric relation CR; A − right lateral
view, B − frontal view, C − left lateral view
The system also includes a paraocclusal bitefork, which is positioned After tooth segmentation and virtual model preparation, the
at the lower teeth using self-curing composite for provisional crowns imported hinge axis can be visualized, and the jaw can be rotated around
and bridges (Structur 3, VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany). It is impor- it during treatment planning for precise joint-oriented orthodontics
tant to ensure that no composite is in contact with the opposing teeth (Fig. 10). The CR position is now the starting point of orthodontic treat-
during maximum intercuspidation or excursive movements. Another ment, and the teeth should be aligned accordingly. The protocol
holder with markers is attached to the bite fork, and the stereocamera is described is the minimal protocol needed for joint-oriented orthodon-
adjusted based on the distance and height. To record dynamic move- tics. In the finishing phase, the protocol should be extended to include
ments, the system is calibrated by providing reference points for the dynamic protrusive and laterotrusive movements, as well as mouth
arbitrary hinge axis and subnasale and for four occlusal points in the opening and closure, to check for interferences and finish the case
lower dentition. accordingly.
The true hinge axis is calculated by asking the patient to open and The importance of achieving a functional occlusion without interfer-
close their mouth by 5-10mm a few times, while instructing them not to ence cannot be overstated, as it is essential for optimal treatment out-
touch their teeth during closure to minimize the influence of neuromus- comes. It is possible that occlusal adjustments or restorations may be
cular engrams.43 Alternatively, the clinician can guide this movement. necessary to ensure a successful outcome (Fig. 11).
As the rotational condylar movement is recognized by the software,
the true hinge axis can be determined, and the models will be oriented Conclusion
accordingly (Figs. 5, 6). Then, the clinician will actively rotate the lower
jaw to the first contact positions, which will be referred to as the CR The integration of digital technological advancements like jaw track-
position (Fig. 7). The mandibular position in CR and MI is different, and ing systems in orthodontics enables a comprehensive digital treatment
this can be visualized by showing changes in occlusal contacts (Fig. 8) workflow and an accurate evaluation of dynamic and static occlusion.
and by exporting the CR models into the orthodontic treatment software Research on the influence of occlusal factors suggest that interferences
with superimpositions on the upper jaw, displaying the difference in jaw can have a negative effect on the condition of the stomatognathic sys-
position in color-coded heat maps (Fig. 9). tem. Orthodontic treatment goals should therefore consider joint-
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S. Chhatwani et al. Seminars in Orthodontics 31 (2025) 11−17
Fig. 10. Segmented models for orthodontic treatment with the true hinge axis in the treatment planning software OnyxCeph (Image Instruments GmbH, Chemnitz,
Germany)
Only anonymised patient data was used and no patient data reveal- All authors attest that they meet the current ICMJE criteria for
ing the identity of the patients is published therefore consent of publica- authorship.
tion can be waived.
Declaration of competing interest
Availability of data and materials The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
All data are available on request. the work reported in this paper.
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