Analyzing Complete Denture Occlusal Contacts: Accuracy and Reliability.

The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and reliability of interpreting occlusal markings made by articulating paper on complete dentures intraorally. Clinical teachers at a training hospital interpreted occlusal markings intended for adjustment. Their scores were compared to a control score to determine accuracy. For reliability determination, the observations were repeated. Only between 20% and 30% of observations were found to be both accurate and reliable. Unless the procedure can be standardized, this technique shouldn't be considered appropriate prosthodontics protocol for balancing the occlusion of complete dentures.