Management of Occlusal Aspects in Prosthodontics in the Digital Era: Where Do We Stand? Luca Lepidi, DDS, MS

Recorded on May 13th, 2025

Description:

This lecture explores the current state of occlusal management within prosthodontics, highlighting advancements in digital workflows, including the integration of intraoral scanning, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), jaw tracking motion devices and virtual articulation systems.

We will discuss how and when these tools enhance or do not enhance the accuracy of diagnosing occlusal relationships and the fabrication of prosthetic devices, ultimately leading to improved functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients.

Furthermore, the role of digital occlusal analysis software in assessing and fine-tuning occlusal contacts for optimal performance and comfort will be addressed.

This session is relevant for all clinicians who wish to enhance their knowledge in occlusion management in an increasingly digital world.

Upon completion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
1) Identify the essential steps to digitalize the clinical data collection of the patient during the diagnostic phase.
2) Explain the digital procedures for aligning files that contain clinical data and the clinical procedures for executing complex prosthetic rehabilitation cases.
3) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the reported procedures.

Luca Lepidi, DDS, MS

Dr. Lepidi graduated from the University of Rome La Sapienza in 2001 (cum laude) and completed Master of Science in Oral Surgery in University of Rome, Tor Vergata.

He attended the post-graduate program in Oral Implantology at the University of Chieti and in Gnatology at the University of Milano, Italy.

Since then, he has worked intensively in the field of implant prosthodontics and digital dentistry. He also served as a part-time faculty member in prosthodontics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Dental School, in Italy since 2011.

Dr. Lepidi is Adjunct Professor at the University of Ferrara since 2022 and involved in multiple research projects in the areas of prosthodontics therapy and digital dentistry and is a senior lecturer at several University in Italy and in USA in post-graduate programs. He is an author and co-author of peer reviewed publications and serves as reviewer for multiple journals with high impact factor covering Prosthodontics and Digital Dentistry.

Dr. Lepidi has indicated he has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Relevant literature for further information:

The 4D virtual patient: A proof of concept in digital dentistry
Lepidi, Luca et al.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Published online April 13, 2024

Lepidi L, Suriano C, Wang HL, Granata S, Joda T, Li J. Digital fixed complete-arch rehabilitation: From virtual articulator mounting to clinical delivery. 
J Prosthet Dent. 2022 Mar;127(3):398-403. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.08.049. Epub 2020 Dec 13. PMID: 33317830.