Measured Occlusion: A Dentaltown Podcast on T-Scan, Intraoral Scanners, Articulating Paper, Splint Therapy, and More
June 19 04:20:59, 2025
---
Recently, I had the chance to dive deep into an insightful episode of Dentaltown's "Dentistry Uncensored" podcast. Hosted by Dr. Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, this episode featured a fascinating discussion with Dr. Robert Kerstein, DMD, a renowned clinical researcher and pioneer in the field of occlusion. Dr. Kerstein has been using T-Scanâ„¢ digital occlusal analysis technology since its debut in the 1980s, making him a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
The conversation between Dr. Farran and Dr. Kerstein spanned nearly two hours, covering a wide range of topics related to dental occlusion and its impact on various aspects of dentistry. Here are some of the highlights from their discussion:
First and foremost, Dr. Farran emphasized that occlusion is a fundamental aspect of all dental practices. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, understanding occlusion is crucial for providing optimal care to your patients. Having access to tools like T-Scan, which can quantitatively analyze occlusal dynamics, is essential for any dental office.
Another key point discussed was the distinction between T-Scan and intraoral scanning technologies. While both are valuable tools, they serve different purposes. T-Scan provides precise data about bite forces and timing, whereas intraoral scanners excel at creating digital impressions. Together, these technologies enable dentists to gain a comprehensive understanding of their patients' bites.
Dr. Kerstein also addressed the limitations of traditional methods, such as articulating paper, which often lead to inaccurate interpretations of bite force. Incorrect adjustments based on these methods can result in what he termed an "occlusal cascade," where one mistake necessitates multiple follow-up visits and corrections. This underscores the importance of using advanced tools like T-Scan to ensure accurate adjustments.
A particularly interesting analogy used during the interview compared single-tooth dentistry to tuning a piano. Just as adjusting one key affects the entire instrument, altering one tooth can influence the overall occlusal environment. This highlights the need for precision and the value of tools like T-Scan to assess bite dynamics after each adjustment.
Additionally, Dr. Kerstein shared how T-Scan has been instrumental in evaluating and fine-tuning splints and other oral appliances. By ensuring that these devices balance the patient's bite, dentists can provide more effective treatment plans.
If you're interested in learning more, check out the full interview below. It's a must-watch for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of occlusion and its role in modern dentistry.
---
**Watch the Complete “Dentistry Uncensored†Interview on YouTube Below**
---
---
**Post Categories:** T-Scan, digital occlusion, intraoral scanners, dentaltown, general dentistry
---
**Previous Post:** Generate Revenue for Your Practice, Right out of the Box
**Next Post:** How T-Scan Saves Cases for Two Clear Aligner Dentists (Interview Inside)
---
This episode really opened my eyes to the nuances of occlusion and the importance of leveraging technology to enhance patient care. It's clear that staying informed and open to new tools is essential for any dentist aiming to deliver exceptional service.