Comparative evaluation of the depth of curve of Spee between individuals with normal dentition and individuals with occlusal wear using conventional and digital software analysis techniques: An in vivo study

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the depth of curve of Spee in normal dentitions and dentitions with occlusal wear using conventional and digital software techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 healthy human subjects were selected for this study in an age group of 20–50 years. Group A includes the stone models (dental casts) of 35 individuals with healthy (nonattrited) dentition. Group B includes stone models of 35 individuals with occlusal wear (generalized attrited) dentition. Two methods were used for measuring the curve of Spee, i.e., conventional method and three-dimensional digital analysis method. RESULTS: Depth of the curve of Spee between these two groups was statistically the same. The Digital software analysis (Method II) gives more accurate readings when compared with the Conventional (Method I) of measuring the depth of the curve of Spee. CONCLUSION: Depth of curve of Spee is maintained through the life. There is no statistical difference in depth of curve of Spee between the two groups and digital method give more accurate measurements.