An indirect in vivo method for quantification of wear of denture teeth.

A method using a reflex microscope to undertake direct and highly precise three-dimensional measurements of denture casts for the purpose of mapping and determining the volumetric loss of material over a period of time has been developed. The wear that occurred in tooth 46 after clinical use for one year was measured and found to be 7.2 mm3. This technique has proved to be an accurate and objective quantification of what has previously often been a subjective impression.