Activated sensels, looking like pixels on a computer screen, make the microscopic investigation of contact points visible. In regular mode, the T-Scan technology allows dental professionals to record animated force conduction during occlusal cycles at 0.01 second intervals. Articulating paper leaves STATIC, unidimensional marks after articulation and slides have happened. Sensels record DYNAMIC contact information displayed in 2D and in 3D as articulation and slides occur. Data recorded during contact give clinicians and patients the ability to visualize a mandible’s relationship to an upper occlusal plane outside the oral cavity, on a screen.
All sensel activity capturing the intensity, timing, distribution, and sequencing of individual contacts is organized by the software. Recorded measurements from all activated sensels in an arch are converted into color-coded pixels that create a movie of engagement (occlusion) and release (disocclusion) which can be replayed in slow motion and studied.
Activated sensels objectively measure relative occlusal force variations. Pixels and 3D columns generated by sensel activation create graphics that:
1. color code intensity variations
2. move around the arch throughout maxillomandibular engagement
3. tell a patient’s history of occlusal force distribution
4. document articulating contacts for analysis, diagnosis, and future reference