Occlusion time, occlusal balance and lateral occlusal scheme in subjects with various dental and skeletal characteristics: a prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES To analyze occlusion time, occlusal balance and lateral occlusal scheme in subjects with various dental and skeletal characteristics. METHODS A total of 132 subjects (50 males and 82 females) seeking orthodontic treatment were included in this prospective study. Using the T-Scan III Version 7.0 (Tekscan Inc., South Boston, MA, USA), the occlusion time, occlusal balance and lateral occlusal schemes were recorded and compared with gender, Angle's occlusal classification, overjet, overbite, space analysis, skeletal and transverse relations. ANOVA, t-test, and contingency tables analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS Occlusion time was significantly shorter in subjects with balanced occlusion (0.18 seconds, p<0.001), Class I normal occlusion (0.35 seconds, p=0.028), and Class I skeletal profile (0.37 seconds, p=0.002). Occlusion time was significantly longer in subjects with decreased overjet (0.60 seconds, p=0.003). There were significant associations between the distribution of occlusal balance and Angles' classes of occlusion, skeletal relationship, overjet, overbite, and space analysis (p<0.05). Lateral occlusal schemes were only associated with Angle's classes of occlusion and skeletal relationship (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with Class I occlusion showed the least occlusion time, the most balanced occlusion, and a higher frequency of canine guidance. Nonetheless, potentially balanced occlusion and group function were highly prevalent in all groups, therefore ideal occlusion must be considered an ideal to inspire and aim for, but cannot be considered an essential requirement of every dental treatment.