Evaluation of bite force between conventional direct composite restoration technique and occlusal stamp technique- a comparative clinical study

Imbalances in occlusal forces due to poor dental restoration result in mal-

aligned teeth and difficulties in speech and mastication.

The main objective is to compare and evaluate the bite force after the fabrication of composite

restorations using occlusal stamp technique and conventional technique.

Initially, bite force of the involved teeth is recorded bilaterally using an occlusal bite force

meter. The first phase of making the occlusal matrix (stamp) involves cleaning and drying of

the occlusal surface. Flowable composite is applied over the occlusal surface and an

applicator tip wet with bonding agent is embedded in the composite and light cured, removed

off the occlusal surface and used as occlusal stamp.

The caries is excavated, cavity prepared, acid etched, bonded, packed with composite. After

the last 1-2mm thick increment of composite resin into the cavity, prior to curing, a Teflon

tape is placed over the increment, the fabricated occlusal stamp is pressed against the surface

to allow the stamp to adapt to the uncured composite. Teflon tape followed by excess

composite is removed and light cured. Prior to finishing and polishing and after polishing, the

occlusal bite force is recorded.

On the contralateral side, composite is restored using conventional technique and bite force

recorded similar to the occlusal stamp technique. The hypothesis of the study is that the occlusal stamp technique will give a better occlusal anatomy than the conventional technique