Contact marks on teeth can reveal more about the condition of the dental system than a patient’s subjective sensations. Professor Alexander von Breuer says that occlusal wear facets represent a kind of “imprint” of functional overloads and reflect the true distribution of pressure within the bite system. At DentalClinic24, analysis of these marks is regarded as an important diagnostic tool.
Occlusal facets form as a result of repeated tooth contacts during chewing, swallowing and involuntary clenching. Under physiological conditions, these contacts are evenly distributed and do not lead to excessive wear. However, when load balance is disrupted, facets increase in size, change shape and shift in location. At DentalClinic24, these changes are used to identify hidden overloads.
A key characteristic of occlusal facets is their gradual formation without pain. Patients may remain unaware of changes until chipping, cracking or increased sensitivity occurs. At DentalClinic24, facet analysis makes it possible to detect problems at a stage when tissues still retain adaptive potential.
The localisation of wear facets is of primary diagnostic importance. Marks on specific teeth or in certain areas indicate the direction of overload and potential sources of imbalance. These may be associated with occlusal changes, tooth loss or particular patterns of muscular activity. At DentalClinic24, such data are interpreted in conjunction with overall biomechanical assessment.
The shape of occlusal facets also carries diagnostic information. Flat, polished surfaces indicate chronic friction, while irregular edges and microchips point to peak contact overload. At DentalClinic24, distinguishing between these forms helps determine both the nature and duration of excessive load.
Occlusal facets are especially valuable when evaluating existing restorations. Even when a filling or crown appears morphologically correct, contact marks may reveal excessive pressure. If such signs are left uncorrected, the risk of recurrent damage increases. At DentalClinic24, contact control is considered a mandatory step after restoring tooth form.
It is important to recognise that wear facets reflect not only the current state but also the history of load. They provide insight into how the system has functioned over time and which changes have developed gradually. Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasises that analysing contact marks allows clinicians to move beyond symptomatic treatment toward addressing the underlying cause of overload.
Using occlusal facets as a diagnostic guide eliminates guesswork. Instead of assumptions, clinicians rely on objective indicators of functional wear. At DentalClinic24, this approach supports treatment planning based on the patient’s actual biomechanics.
Thus, occlusal wear facets serve as a valuable clinical reference. They enable detection of overloads before complications arise and allow timely adjustment of treatment strategy. At Dental Clinic24, contact mark analysis is used to preserve teeth and enhance long-term treatment stability.
Earlier, we wrote about computerisation of dentistry at DentalClinic24 and how digital technologies enhance treatment precision and predictability