Application of dahl concept in patients with resin bonded bridge: an occlusal force analysis and patient’s satisfaction study / Rostam Iffendi Idris

Introduction: Application of Dahl concept in Resin Bonded Bridge (RBB) had recently gained popularity due to conservation of tooth structure, reversible in nature and it is relatively cheap and quick in construction. This study was carried out to devise a design of a new occlusal force recording system (OccluForce) and also to investigate occlusal force re-establishment, patient’s satisfaction and occlusal re-establishment of RBB cemented at an increased occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). Methodology: The study was conducted at Faculty of Dentistry, UiTM Sungai Buloh campus. 28 subjects requiring RBB which fulfilled all the inclusion criteria were recruited. The occlusal force was taken during pre-cementation, post-cementation and at 12-week review of RBB cemented at an increased OVD using OccluForce film. The patient’s satisfaction study and occlusal contact re-establishment were measured at the 12-week review. The films were calibrated for analysis using Pressure Distribution Mapping System FPD-8010E software (Fujifilm Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY.). Results: There was significant difference of occlusal force re-establishment in pre-operative and post-operative value (P<0.05) and post-operative and 12-week review (P<0.05) in all parameters including, age, gender, ethnicity, location (anterior or posterior) and arch (maxillary or mandibular) of the prosthesis except for age group more than 60 years old and Chinese (P>0.05). For re-establishment of occlusal contact after 12-week review, there was no significant difference noted in all parameters. While for patient’s satisfaction, all subjects were satisfied with the treatment of RBB cemented at an increased OVD and there was significant difference in avoidance of loading for male compared to female (P=0.015). Males (75%) had tendency to avoid loading compare to females (37.5%). Conclusion: These findings suggest that OccluForce film may be utilized for occlusal force measurement. Application of Dahl concept is feasible in RBB cemented at an increased OVD as it will lead to patients’ satisfaction and occlusal contact re-establishment in most patients.