In vitro study on the sensibility and reproducibility of the new T-Scan® III HD system

Objectives: The present study aims to test, under different simulated anatomic circumstances the sensitivity and reproducibility of the T-Scan III HD sensor (T-Scan Tekscan Incorporation, Boston, USA), the newest generation of a computerized occlusal analysis device. Methods: Four different occlusal tables were created: two of 120 represented by an artificial inferior first molar either embedded in a periodontal-ligament-simulator or not; one of 100 (simulating the occlusion of anterior teeth) and a plane surface (180) in static and variable positions. Three levels of force (10 N, SON and 150 N) were applied, 40 times each, by a universal testing machine (Autograph (R), AG-I) with a spherical bur (diameter = 2.2 mm) on the sensor film. One-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni corrections for post hoc tests were used for multiple comparisons. Results: According to our study, 85% of the outliers are within the 5 first closures, representing the conditioning time required by the initially flat sensor. Graphically and statistically sustained differences (p <0.05) in the recorded data could only be found when the sensor's position was switched between closures, but not in the other circumstances. Conclusions: An undeniable improvement of the T-Scan III HD system as compared to former designs could be shown. The anatomic circumstances did not influence the sensor's sensibility or reproducibility. However, further studies on the varying sensitivity throughout its sensing surface are required. Its reproducibility could be proved, except for the 5 first values (outliers to the mean values), which shall be used as a conditioning time to both the sensor and the patient. (C) 2013 Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentaria. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.