Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 36-month results.

OBJECTIVES

The study continues our longitudinal observation of wear aiming to further monitoring of progression and lesion morphology and to identify relationships with assumed aetiological factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molars (FDI #36 or #46) of 74 participants (23.8 ± 2.2 years) were scanned (Trios 3, 3Shape) at the third follow-up (T3; observation period 1,111 ± 10 days). Data sets from T3, T2 (24-month follow-up) and T1 (12-month follow-up) were superimposed with baseline in a 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). Wear was quantified as maximum vertical tissue loss (µm; median, 95% CI) in various occlusal areas (4/5 cusps and 2 ridges). Morphologies were classified into cupping (C), facet (F), and combined cupping-facet (CF). Aetiological factors were assessed with questionnaires.

RESULTS

Wear increased at T3 significantly at low rates in all areas of the occlusal surface (median between 7.0 (4.0;10.5) and 9.5 (6.0;15.0) µm). There was a clear trend for higher loss values in males, but no association with other factors such as nutrition. C and CF showed significantly higher loss values than F. Areas without initial wear developed F first, which either persisted or developed into C and CF.

CONCLUSIONS

Wear continued at low rates with C/CF morphology and sex as significant factors. Cupped lesions seem to develop from facets and thus may not be a valid diagnostic criterion for erosive tooth wear.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Wear is a cumulative process that apparently follows complex mechanisms that cannot be conceptualized in simplified terms; C and CF may be indicators for higher progression rates.