In vivo correlation of noncarious cervical lesions and occlusal wear

Statement of problem. The etiology of noncarious cervical lesions is not well understood. An understanding of the etiology helps the clinician determine appropriate treatment and management strategies. Purpose. This study evaluated the relationship between noncarious cervical lesions and occlusal (or incisal) wear. Material and methods. Casts (n = 299) made from dental students were articulated in a semi-adjustable articulator and evaluated. Data included the presence and contour of noncarious cervical lesions (NCLs) and the presence, location, and severity of any occlusal/incisal wear facets. Also included were Angle's classification, occlusal guidance patterns, midline, presence of tori, tooth restoration, reverse articulation (crossbite), open occlusal relationship, and posterior excursive contacts where present. Following a calibration procedure, 2 evaluators made independent observations on the casts. The first evaluator recorded for each tooth in each subject: presence and severity of NCLs, presence and extent of occlusal/proximal restorations, and presence of reverse articulation and open occlusal relationship. Following the first evaluation red rope wax was placed at the cervical margins of each tooth for the purpose of blinding the second evaluator from NCL observations. The second evaluator recorded severity and location of occlusal/incisal wear, presence or absence of posterior excursive contacts, Angle's classification, occlusal guidance pattern, any midline discrepancy, and presence or absence of tori. The Spearman correlation coefficient and χ² tests were used to analyze the data (α=.05). Results. There was no relationship between noncarious cervical lesions and occlusal/incisal wear. There was also no correlation between NCLs and other parameters examined. Conclusions. Under the conditions of this study, noncarious cervical lesions are not related to occlusal wear.