Impact of digital jaw tracking systems on dynamic occlusal surface morphology and condylar inclination measurements.

Purpose: This study investigated how different data collection methods affect final restoration design and dynamic occlusal morphology.

Materials and methods: Digital systems allow intraoral recording of functional occlusal paths through the digitally recorded functionally generated pathway (DRFGP) technique, using intraoral scanners and optical jaw tracking. Two substudies were conducted. Study I assessed full-arch occlusal splints in 31 healthy participants with Angle Class I occlusion, comparing outcomes from a virtual articulator and jaw tracking systems. Study II evaluated three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in 12 participants, comparing models from virtual articulators, face scans, and jaw tracking. Additionally, sagittal and protrusive condylar inclinations and the Bennett angle were compared between two jaw tracking systems: an optical tracking device (OTD) and an electronic tracking device (ETD). Statistical analysis included normality tests and non-parametric tests with significance set at P < .05.

Results: Condylar inclination measurements significantly differed between OTD and ETD (P < .01). Lateral condylar inclination values showed discrepancies, excluding mediotrusion. Occlusal splint surfaces showed significant deviations using OTD (P < .01). For FPDs, tooth 1.6 exhibited notable differences.

Conclusion: Despite significant differences in jaw tracking measurements, the overall impact on occlusal design for both full-arch and FPD restorations was minimal. Semi-adjustable articulators produced comparable outcomes to digital methods, supporting the clinical reliability of both conventional and digital workflows.