Product Evaluation

BAUSCH

OccluSense Evaluation

OccluSense permits physical and digital visualization of pressure distributed on occlusal surfaces

Some occlusal adjustments are more difficult and time consuming than others, says Dr. Robin Henderson, especially when articulating paper does not always identify an interference or occlusal imbalance, even when a patient’s symptoms or muscles indicate one is present. So, what does she do in these cases? She relies on Bausch’s OccluSense system to digitally record occlusion, and it has made a world of difference.

Using an electronic handheld device, pressure sensors, and an iPad application, OccluSense makes occlusion visible by combining traditional and digital registration of pressure distribution on occlusal surfaces. Thin, flexible electronic pressure sensors record static and dynamic occlusion, and color-coated sensors mark the occlusal contacts on the teeth. The system even shows local premature contacts on occlusal tooth surfaces and, with the OccluSense app, provides a graphic representation of occlusal pressure conditions on the user’s iPad.

“I believe stable occlusion to be one of the most important factors in the success and longevity of the dentistry that I provide, so I am going to use any reasonably-priced tool that will help me achieve the best outcome,” Dr. Henderson said. “This device can make the adjustment more straightforward, while also giving confidence to the patient in the process. It’s powerful to see occlusal information digitized—a quantum leap from just articulating paper.”

Connectivity & Viewing Results

The OccluSense system combines digital and traditional indication methods to record and depict occlusal conditions. A pressure sensor records both static and dynamic occlusion and marks occlusal contacts, while the cordless handheld device wirelessly transfers recorded data to the OccluSense iPad app for further evaluation.

Calling OccluSense easier to use than a similar product, Dr. Steven Schwartz said it’s simple to transfer information and easy to access visual data. Alexander Dutko, DDS, said it was very easy for assistants to set up the system, Dr. Jonathan Miller liked the “visual display for patient education and treatment,” and Dr. Quan Anh Tran said, “The new update has made the wireless connection to the iPad much easier.” Suggesting that the software should integrate with practice management software so data can be stored in a patient’s electronic medical record, Dr. Prabu Raman found it “easy to correlate the data with the marks of the occlusal contacts on the restoration or teeth.” Dr. Miller recommended “easier continuous connectivity to the iPad,” and Dr. Henderson said it was sometimes cumbersome to connect to the wireless internet.

Improved Accuracy of Occlusal Results

Masticatory pressure distribution is recorded digitally in 256 pressure levels, and recordings are transmitted to the OccluSense iPad app and are stored in the iPad’s patient management system for review, comparison, and exporting. “OccluSense allows me to fine tune the timing and force distribution of the occlusion,” shared Dr. Tran. “It pinpoints the spots of the initial contact better than visualization or patient feedback.” Dr. Dutko called OccluSense “very simple to set up, record the occlusion, and share the findings with the patient.”

When traditional articulating paper was not giving him answers to why a patient’s tooth was sensitive, Ron Widen, DDS, said OccluSense easily showed him the problem. “We adjusted the contact, were able to see the force was now more uniform, and the sensitivity went away,” he explained. OccluSense “gives a graphic representation of timing and intensity of occlusal contacts,” said Dr. Schwartz, who found the system beneficial for prosthetic restorative cases, orthodontic completion, and occlusal imbalance. Dr. Jerry Hu reported that “fine detail coronoplasty/ micro-occlusion assessment was made much simpler.”

Practice Benefits: Patient Experience & Efficiency

Dr. Hu and Bruce Parker, DMD said “patients are impressed” with OccluSense, and Dr. Dutko said, “Visually seeing what we’re observing helps patients get more involved in the process.” Dr. Raman agreed that “patients like to see the display of the occlusal forces” and said it “further validates our treatment approach as data driven and objective.”

Dr. Kalyani Maddali explained how OccluSense makes patient appointments run faster and more efficiently. He described how a broken filling due to a premature contact was repaired by adjusting the occlusion and said “each visit took less than 10 minutes (versus at least 35 minutes with traditional articulating paper).” In his practice, which is devoted to treating TMJ dysfunction, Dr. Raman said that checking occlusion is a regular part of the day. “Being able to quickly and accurately evaluate occlusion is invaluable,” he said.

"[OccluSense] gives a graphic representation of timing and intensity of occlusal contact."
-Steven Schwartz, DDS
New York, NY

Overall Satisfaction

“OccluSense is an instrument that is extremely useful to a restorative dental practice,” reported Dr. Henderson, who said she “cannot think of a company more invested and trustworthy in the topic of occlusion than Bausch.” Stating that he would recommend OccluSense to colleagues, Dr. Schwartz concluded, “It is easy to use and is a great adjunct to restorative dentistry.”

Takeaways

• A handheld device measures traditional and digital registration of pressure distribution on occlusal surfaces
• Electronic pressure sensors record static and dynamic occlusion, and color-coated sensors mark occlusal contacts
• OccluSense app shows a graphic representation of occlusal pressure conditions on an iPad
• Masticatory pressure distribution is recorded digitally in 256 pressure levels