Reliability of recording static and dynamic occlusal contact marks using transparent acetate sheet

Statement of problem. Inaccuracy in the transfer of information between clinician and technician regarding occlusal contacts can cause problems when fabricating indirect restorations, which can result in frustration for the dentist, technician, and patient. Few studies have considered the reproducibility of recording marked occlusal contacts. Purpose. This study aimed to test the reproducibility of a quick and simple means of recording marked occlusal contacts. Material and methods. The static and dynamic occlusal contacts of 29 subjects, with no missing functional units, were marked using articulating paper. Three clinicians with varying clinical experience (3-10 years after graduation from dental school) were asked to independently record the marked occlusal contacts using a transparent acetate sheet. The results were analyzed for Kappa agreement. Results. For the static occlusion, Kappa values of agreement between pairs of examiners were 0.88, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively, all indicating "almost perfect agreement." For the dynamic occlusion, the range of Kappa agreement between pairs of examiners produced a median of 0.91, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively, indicating almost perfect strength of agreement. Conclusions. The results suggest that marking occlusal contacts on a transparent acetate sheet provides a simple means of recording static and dynamic occlusal contacts with a high degree of reproducibility. Copyright © 2005 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.