Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: JOSÉ JHENIKÁRTERY MAIA DE OLIVEIRA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : JOSÉ JHENIKÁRTERY MAIA DE OLIVEIRA
DATE: 27/07/2026
TIME: 10:00
LOCAL: Online
TITLE:

Influence of Interocclusal Records and Virtual Articulators on the Performance of the Digital Workflow for the Fabrication of Stabilization Occlusal Splints

KEY WORDS:

Digital Technology; Occlusal Splints; Dental Occlusion; Dental Articulators; Vertical Dimension.

PAGES: 113
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Odontologia
SUBÁREA: Clínica Odontológica
SUMMARY:

Introduction: The incorporation of digital technologies into dentistry has transformed the planning and fabrication of stabilization occlusal splints, making workflows faster and more predictable. However, the efficiency and reliability of these workflows depend on factors such as the interocclusal recording method, the CAD software used, and the geometric characteristics of virtual articulators, all of which may influence mandibular position and changes in the vertical dimension of occlusion during prosthetic planning. Despite technological advances, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the influence of these factors on the clinical and laboratory predictability of digital workflows. Objective: To evaluate the influence of different interocclusal recording methods, CAD software, and virtual articulators on the performance of digital workflows for the fabrication of stabilization occlusal splints. Methods: This thesis consisted of four cross-sectional clinical studies involving 30 participants. Different digital interocclusal recording techniques were evaluated, including maximum intercuspation (MI), anterior deprogramming device (ADD), and occlusal recording strips, as well as different CAD software programs and seven virtual articulator systems. The outcomes assessed included the time required to obtain interocclusal records, the duration of computer-aided design (CAD) procedures, the final thickness of the occlusal splints, clinical insertion and adjustment time, changes in mandibular position, mandibular opening patterns, and opening ratios during simulated increases in the vertical dimension of occlusion. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with a significance level of 5%. Results: The interocclusal recording methods significantly influenced digital workflow efficiency, mandibular position, and the clinical performance of the occlusal splints. Although maximum intercuspation required the shortest recording time, it was associated with longer CAD design time, longer clinical insertion time, and greater variability in mandibular position among the evaluated CAD software programs. In contrast, occlusal recording strips provided greater recording stability, shorter overall digital workflow time, and final splint thicknesses closer to the planned values. Comparisons between CAD software programs revealed differences primarily for records obtained in maximum intercuspation, whereas records obtained using occlusal recording strips showed high reproducibility. Significant differences were also observed among virtual articulators regarding mandibular opening patterns and opening ratios resulting from increases in the incisal pin, demonstrating that the geometry of each articulator system directly influences the simulation of the vertical dimension of occlusion. Conversely, the digital mounting planes proposed by Balkwill and Camper had no significant influence on mandibular opening ratios. Conclusion: The performance and predictability of digital workflows for the fabrication of stabilization occlusal splints are influenced by both the interocclusal recording method and the geometric characteristics of virtual articulators. The use of occlusal recording strips resulted in superior clinical and laboratory performance, whereas geometric differences among virtual articulators produced distinct mandibular opening patterns during simulated changes in the vertical dimension of occlusion. In contrast, digital mounting planes did not significantly affect these simulations. The findings of this thesis contribute to the optimization of digital protocols for occlusal splint therapy and prosthodontics by providing evidence to support the selection of more predictable interocclusal recording methods and virtual articulator systems for clinical practice.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1466265 - GUSTAVO AUGUSTO SEABRA BARBOSA
Externa ao Programa - 2946627 - ERIKA OLIVEIRA DE ALMEIDA FREITAS - UFRNExterno à Instituição - ANDRE ULISSES DANTAS BATISTA - UFPB