Achieving Immediate Anterior Guidance

Reduce Occlusal Interferences During Excursions

It has been observed from EMG analyses performed on the massetter and temporalis muscles during excursive function, that if Anterior Guidance contacts control the mandibular excursion by discluding posterior teeth, the contractile micro-volt levels present in these muscles will be lessened^1,2.

Combine occlusal analysis with electromyography

The integration and synchronization of the T-Scan Occlusal Analysis system with the Biopak^TM Electromyography system affords the operator real-time recording of occlusal contacts with exact time stamped electrical potential of selected masticatory muscles resultant from those tooth contacts captured in a dynamic "movie form".

When this integration module is used to study Anterior Guidance function during mandibular excursions, different muscular contraction patterns result from a Posterior Group Function, when compared to a sound Anterior Guidance Function where Posterior Disclusion occurs in less than.5 seconds. It is observed that higher contractile muscle activity is measured when posterior teeth occlude in excursive function in contrast to lower levels observed when a measurable immediate posterior disclusion is present.

T-Scan and EMG data describing the occlusal and muscular changes resultant from the group function occlusion pre-treatment compared with the T-Scan and EMG data changes resultant from shortening the lengthy pre-treatment Disclusion Time (>.5 seconds) to a post-treatment measurable immediate posterior disclusion (< .5 seconds)².

BEFORE	AFTER
Pre-treatment MIP Occlusal contacts and EMG data	Stronger muscles result from the more widespread occlusal contact arrangement in post treatment
BEFORE	AFTER
.481 seconds into the excursion; many interferences present during the group function; EMG levels elevated	.337 seconds into the post op excursion; balancing interference disclusion reached and EMG levels dropping
BEFORE	AFTER
.819 seconds into excursion; working and balancing interferences still present; EMG levels elevated except non-working temporalis	.481 seconds into the post op excursion; complete disclusion reached and EMG levels very low (Disclusion Time < .5 seconds)2
BEFORE	PRE VS POST
1.17 seconds into excursion; balancing interference is endpoint; EMG levels finally drop as group function ends (Disclusion Time > .5 seconds)2	Before and after treatment EMG at .481 seconds into each excursion; 4-5x less muscle activity post treatment with immediate posterior disclusion vs. group function.

Decrease muscle activity during Occlusal Function

The final figure above illustrates that the length of time that posterior teeth maintain functional contact during excursive movements directly impacts the levels of muscle contractions present for the entire duration of the same excursion. The degree of muscle activity can be greatly lessened by a rapid posterior disclusion. Measurable immediate posterior disclusion insures that excessive muscle contractions drop to levels that are much closer to resting state levels, while patients’ muscles are operating during occlusal function.

References available upon request.