On the track of bruxism: quantitative, qualitative and intraindividual analyses of the BruxChecker in daily clinical routine

Bruxism is a relevant topic in daily dental routine. Bruxism has to be confirmed by instrumental procedures. The BruxChecker (BC) is an inexpensive instrument that does not affect the stomatognathic system while used and is suitable for routine use in diagnostics and follow-ups. A novel digital approach for analyzing BC is described, based on first standard values. Material and Method Within this pilot study, 30 participants (15 males, 15 females) used an upper BC for one night and a lower BC during another night. A standardized digitalization process and a unique software application measured all Tooth Contact Areas (TCAs) on the BC: number and size of each TCAs for each occlusal segment. Results The mean number of TCAs on upper BC is 28.17 (sd +/-7.84), for lower BC 27.70 (sd +/-7.41). The mean size (mm2) of TCAs on upper BC is 71.81 (sd +/-51.27), for lower BC 68.11 (sd +/-42.64). There are only minor, not significant, gender differences regarding the number and size of TCAs. The transversal right-left TCAs distribution is almost symmetrical; a slightly increased difference can be observed for the size of TCAs right and left. The sagittal distribution of the TCAs shows the dominance of the posterior contacts, while the intermediate segments are least involved. Conclusion Within the limits of this pilot study and based on the digital analyses of TCAs on BC, the paper presents first standard values and a two-step systematic individual BC analysis.