1 USER MANUAL
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................................... 3
Welcome to T-Scan ................................................................................................................................. 5
Technical Support ................................................................................................................................ 5
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Warranty Information ............................................................................................................................ 7
Training ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Hardware & Installation ............................................................................................................................ 9
T-Scan Computer Requirements .......................................................................................................... 9
T-Scan Component List ........................................................................................................................ 9
The Novus Handpiece (DH-1) ............................................................................................................ 10
Novus Handpiece (DH-1) Specifications ......................................................................................... 11
The Evolution Handle (EH-2) .............................................................................................................. 12
Evolution Handle (EH-2) Specifications........................................................................................... 13
Sensors & Sensor Supports ............................................................................................................... 14
The Novus Sensors & Sensor Supports .......................................................................................... 14
The Evolution Sensors & Sensor Supports ..................................................................................... 17
Installing the T-Scan Software ............................................................................................................ 19
Installing the T-Scan Software on a Network................................................................................... 22
Setting up the T-Scan Novus Hardware ............................................................................................. 23
Removing / Replacing the Novus Handpiece Cable ........................................................................ 24
Installing the Novus Handpiece Holder ........................................................................................... 24
Setting up the T-Scan Evolution Hardware ......................................................................................... 26
T-Scan Components Maintenance and Care ...................................................................................... 26
Novus Handpiece and Evolution Handle ......................................................................................... 26
Sensors and Sensor Supports ........................................................................................................ 27
T-Scan Workflow.................................................................................................................................... 28
Opening T-Scan software & Setting up the Patient ............................................................................. 28
Main Software Views .......................................................................................................................... 30
Performing A Scan ............................................................................................................................. 31
Sensitivity Wizard ............................................................................................................................... 33
Reviewing a Scan............................................................................................................................... 35
Playing back the recording .............................................................................................................. 35
Comparison View ............................................................................................................................ 35
Viewing a Digital Impression Overlay .............................................................................................. 36
Software Reference ............................................................................................................................... 37
Main Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Toolbar ............................................................................................................................................... 46
Active Scan Pane ............................................................................................................................... 47
ForceView .......................................................................................................................................... 48
2D ForceView ................................................................................................................................. 48
3D ForceView ................................................................................................................................. 49
Center of Force Trajectory .................................................................................................................. 49
Center of Force Trajectories with Multi-Bite Scans .......................................................................... 49
How the Center of Force is Calculated ............................................................................................ 51
Center of Force Target .................................................................................................................... 51
Timing Pane ....................................................................................................................................... 52
Graph ................................................................................................................................................. 54
Occlusion & Disclusion Time .............................................................................................................. 58
Navigation Bar .................................................................................................................................... 59
“Patient List” Window.......................................................................................................................... 61
Technical Support
Support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 7:00pm EST.
Phone support: (617) 464-4500 or (800) 248-3669 x359 (USA and Canada)
Email Support: support@tekscan.com
Fax Support: (617) 464-4266
Website: www.tekscan.com
Mail: Tekscan, Inc. 307 West First Street. South Boston, MA 02127-1309
Tekscan, Inc. will provide technical assistance for any difficulties you may experience using your T-Scan
system for 90 days from the system shipping date. After 90 days, Tekscan offers annual Technical
Support and System Maintenance Plans or customer support at our standard rates per incident. An
incident is defined as one single issue or problem.
Copyright © 2015 by Tekscan, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or
computer language, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Tekscan,
Inc., 307 West First Street, South Boston, MA 02127-1309.
Tekscan, Inc. makes no representation or warranties with respect to this manual. Further, Tekscan,
Inc. reserves the right to make changes in the specifications of the product described within this
manual at any time without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such revision or
changes.
T-Scan is a registered trademark of Tekscan, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
The T-Scan Occlusal Analysis system can be incorporated into your office in the following ways:
• Hygiene
• Initial Patient Exam
• Identify Premature Contacts
• Achieve Bilateral Simultaneity
• Anytime you use Articulation Paper
• Increase Implant Longevity
• Establish Anterior Guidance
• Case Finishing
• Patient Education/Documentation
The T-Scan system is a valuable tool that aids in the diagnostic process of analyzing a patient's bite and
showing what is and what is not functioning properly. When a bite is unstable it can cause pain, teeth
and dental restorations to crack and break, gum disease, tooth loss, headaches, and TMJ Disorder.
The T-Scan software offers features that allow the user to:
The T-Scan system is comprised of the Microsoft (MS) Windows-based T-Scan software, the associated
hardware, and patented Tekscan sensors. The system’s versatility allows you to copy occlusal contact
data (as an image) and paste it into other Windows applications, or to create a PDF report that can be
printed or sent out via email.
This manual provides a thorough description of the system’s features and capabilities. Follow the Quick
Start section as a guideline, and refer to specific sections for more detailed instructions on how to use
each feature.
Web-based training. This is scheduled with a qualified Tekscan trainer, and requires having your
system on a computer connected to the Internet, and a telephone connection. Web based training
is provided free of charge to all new U.S. customer’s. International customers should contact their
distributor for training.
The T-Scan Training library is a self-paced learning medium that focuses on operational
use, features of the software, and evaluation of the features. The training library
can be accessed here: https://www.tekscan.com/support/product-training/t-scan
• Help File
A fully interactive help file is included with all new systems. Help files can be accessed via the
software menu (either Help > Content or Help > Search). The help file can also be opened
separately as a standalone file via the Windows Start Menu (Start > All Programs > Tekscan >
Help).
• Webinar
Tekscan offers free web-based courses, seminars, and training sessions. You participate with
other users from the comfort of your home or office. Check our website,
https://www.tekscan.com/webinars, for times and availability.
• Training at Tekscan
• User Meetings
Tekscan hosts User Meetings at various locations to be convenient to people in various parts of
the world. User Meetings offer an opportunity to interact with other professionals using Tekscan
technology. User Meetings may have an associated cost.
For a schedule of webinars and training dates, please visit our website at
https://www.tekscan.com/events.
Note: Training is not required to operate a Tekscan system. For most users,
however, training greatly improves one’s ability to acquire and interpret data.
T-Scan Novus Handpiece (DH-1) System T-Scan Evolution Handle (EH-2) System
The following is a list of all components that ship with your T-Scan 9 System:
USB Cable length can be extended to 30 or 45 ft. with the following optional components:
The Novus Handpiece (DH-1) label with compliancy, model number, warnings and
parameters.
• Power On LED Indicator: A green light here indicates that the Handpiece is powered on.
• Sensor OK LED Indicator: A green light here indicates that the Handpiece is initialized, the
sensor is correctly inserted into the Handpiece, and a new scan can be opened.
• Sensitivity +/- Buttons: Use these buttons to increase / decrease the sensitivity of the sensor.
• Scan Mode LED Indicator: A green light here indicates that the sensor is scanning force data
and transferring that data to your computer.
• Record Button: This is a multi-function button. Use this button to open a new scan. Once open,
this button is used to start recording a scan or stop recording a scan.
COMMUNICATION/DATA ACQUISITION:
ELECTRICAL:
USB CABLE:
HANDPIECE ENCLOSURE:
HUMIDITY: % 20 TO 80 (NON-CONDENSING)
PRESSURE: psi (kPa) 14.7 TO 10.1 (101.3 TO 69.7) (SEA LEVEL TO 10,000 ft)
HUMIDITY: % 5 TO 95 (NON-CONDENSING)
PRESSURE: psi (kPa) 14.7 TO 1.7 (101.3 TO 11.1) (SEA LEVEL TO 50,000 ft)
• Sensor OK Green LED Indicator: A green light here indicates that the sensor is correctly
inserted into the handle and a new scan can be opened.
• Scan Mode Green LED Indicator: A green light here indicates that the sensor is scanning force
data and transferring that data to your computer.
• New Scan Button: This will open a new scan window in the software, so that you can begin
scanning force data.
• Scan Start & Stop Button: Use this button to start a scan or stop a scan that is in progress.
• Power Green & Yellow LED Indicator: When yellow, this light indicates that the handle is
receiving power, but is not yet initialized. When Green, this light indicates that the handle is
receiving power and has been initialized by the computer (i.e.: the device shows up under the
Windows device manager).
COMMUNICATION/DATA ACQUISITION:
ELECTRICAL:
USB CABLE:
HANDLE ENCLOSURE:
PRESSURE: psi (kPa) 1.7 to 14.7 (11.6 to 101.3) (sea level to 50,000 ft.)
PRESSURE: psi (kPa) 1.7 to 14.7 (11.6 to 101.3) (sea level to 50,000 ft.)
Note: Sensor Supports are not interchangeable. The small Sensor Support must be
used with the small Sensor, and the large Sensor Support with the large Sensor.
Likewise, the Novus Sensors and Sensor Supports cannot be used with the
Evolution system, and Evolution Sensors and Sensor Supports cannot be used
with the Novus system.
The Novus Handpiece with small support and sensor (left) and large support and
sensor (right).
The Evolution Handle with small support and sensor (left) and large support and
sensor (right).
a. If this is a brand new installation, The installation Wizard opens (shown below left). Click the
Next button and proceed to Step 3.
b. If you have an older version of the software already installed on your system, the "Modify,
Repair, or Remove" screen appears (shown below right). Click the Repair radio button, and
then click the Next button. Proceed to Step 6.
4. The "Destination Location" screen opens. This allows you to select a location where the T-Scan
software will be installed on your computer. It is recommended that you use the default location,
however, you can click the Change button to select a new location if you wish. Click the Next
button.
6. The installation process begins (shown below right). Be patient, as this can take several minutes
to install on your computer. Click the Cancel button if you wish to halt the installation process at
any point in time.
Note that the T-Scan User Manual (T-Scan User Manual.pdf) and Help File (tscan.chm) are also
installed on your computer automatically, along with the main software installation. Both these files can
be found under C:\Tekscan\TScan folder (shown below). You can double-click on either of them to open
them up and view them on-screen.
The underside of the Handpiece, showing the latch open (left) and closed (right).
To remove or replace the cable, unscrew the cable covering from the underside of the Handpiece (shown
below left). Remove the cable covering by swinging the cover up from the screw end, and set aside
(shown below middle). Disconnect the Micro-B USB cable and pull it out straight; parallel to the length of
the Handpiece. You can then reinsert the new Tekscan cable with the trident symbol on the cable visible
(facing you). Do not insert the Micro-B USB cable upside down, as this could potentially break the
connector on the Handpiece and/or cable. Reattach the cable cover by placing the cover’s bottom end in
first and folding down to the screw end. Place the screw back in and tighten it with a screwdriver.
1. Clean the wall surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol by wiping the wall gently, then letting it dry.
3. Remove the black liner from the adhesive strip (shown below left), and press the Handpiece
Holder’s back to the wall surface for 10-20 seconds (shown below right). Wait one full hour before
reinserting the Handpiece and Cable into the Handpiece Holder.
4. To remove the strip, hold the Handpiece Holder with one hand
gently. Do not press the holder against the wall. With the other
hand, pull straight down on the protruding tab (shown at right). It
will stretch about 12 inches before becoming fully dislodged from
between the wall and holder.
Note: Always store the Handpiece in the holder, with the latch
in the down (open) position.
Sensor Disinfection: After proper cleaning is performed, place the sensor into disinfection solution at
the manufacturer’s specified dilution for the manufacturer’s specified application time, ensuring that the
sensor is fully immersed and not contacting any other products in disinfection bath. An EPA-registered
hospital disinfectant containing o-phthalaldehyde is recommended, such as Cidex OPA (Johnson &
Johnson). Remove sensor from the solution and rinse disinfected sensor in a large volume (e.g. 1 gallon)
of tap water for at least 1 minute. Replace water and repeat immersion for 1 minute two more times,
replacing rinse water each time. Note: three (3) separate large volume water immersion rinses are
required. Dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Note: Novus Sensors / Sensor Supports cleaning and disinfection instructions were
validated using CaviWipes manufactured by Metrex Research, using
manufacturer’s recommended visibly wet contact time of 30 seconds for cleaning
and 3 minutes for disinfecting, both at room temperature.
Note: Novus Sensor disinfecting instructions were validated using Cidex OPA
manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, immersed for 12 minutes at room temperature.
Note: Novus Sensor Support disinfecting instructions were validated with the Steris
AMSCO Lab 250 Steam Sterilizer at 132°C for 7.5 minutes, with a 30 minute dying
cycle.
Note: Beacoup by Ecolab Healthcare, Wescodyne by Steris Corp, and 1 Stroke
Environ by Steris Corp are not recommended for cleaning or disinfecting the Novus
Handpiece, Sensors, and Sensor Supports. In tests, when used in concentrated
quantities, they can discolor or possibly crack the housing material for the
Handpiece and Sensor Supports.
When the software first opens up, you will notice that your cursor is changed from the default
Windows cursor to an enlarged black cursor (the difference is shown below). This was done to
improve visualization when working in the T-Scan software. You can change back to the default
Windows cursor by going into Edit > User Settings (Advanced tab) and selecting the Use
Windows default cursor option.
2. The "Patient List" is the first window that opens (shown below left). Click the New Patient button.
The "New Patient Record" window opens (shown below right). Fill out the "Patient Information"
tab (mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk *) and Tooth Charts (optional). You can also
associate Upper and Lower Arch Scan (.stl) files to the Patient.
3. (Optional): Click the “Upper” and/or “Lower Arch” tabs and set the Patient's Central Incisor Width,
Tooth Widths, and Tooth Statuses. This can be done now, or later after the Patient's Scan has
been taken. For more information about these tabs, refer to the "Patient Record" Window section.
• Title Bar: Each window has a Title Bar along the top, which displays the name (Title) of that
window. Each Title Bar has the usual MS Windows control button at the left end, and Minimize,
Maximize and Close buttons at the right end (see figure above). Only one window may be active
at any one time.
• Main Menu: The Main Menu provides the pull-down menus used to control the T-Scan program.
Each Main Menu Bar option is described in detail in the Main Menu section. Some menu items
contain shortcuts that can be used on the keyboard. Refer to the Keyboard Shortcuts section for
a complete list of shortcuts.
• Toolbar: The Toolbar is where you will find easy access to most of the common tasks performed
in the software. Refer to the Toolbar section for more information.
• Active Scan Pane: Provides a thumbnail view of all open Scans on-screen. Refer to the Active
Scan Pane section for more information.
• ForceView: The software window area where you can view the 2D ForceView and 3D
ForceView. This area is the main display showing the patient's bite mark pressure over time in a
2D and 3D visual perspective. Refer to the ForceView section for further information.
• Timing Pane: The Timing Pane allows you to view the measurements of the bite timing, as well
as each individual tooth’s timing, and the Force Outliers. For more information, refer to the Timing
Pane section.
• Navigation Bar: The Navigation Bar allows you to perform key operations for a new scan or
review operations for an existing scan. Refer to the Navigation Bar section for more information.
Performing A Scan
The T-Scan system is designed to be easy to operate and ready to scan occlusal data from start up. You
may take a recording using the buttons on the Handle, or using the buttons in the software Navigation
Bar. Both of these methods are described in this procedure. Follow the steps below to begin recording:
1. Ensure the T-Scan software has been correctly installed on your system, and the sensor support
and sensor are correctly inserted into the Evolution Handle (EH-2). The Handle must be plugged
into the computer via USB in order for it to be recognized. Refer to the Setting up the T-Scan
Hardware section for further instructions.
2. Open the Software and Set up the Patient, as outlined in the Opening T-Scan software & Setting
up the Patient section.
3. Click the New Scan button in the Patient Record. A new recording opens in the main window. By
default, the 2D ForceView is shown on the left, with the 3D ForceView shown on the right. These
views show the patient's bite in real-time, as it is occurring. Below this window is the navigation
bar, where you can set the Sensitivity of the sensor, so that the sensor aligns correctly with the
patient's bite. If this is your first time taking a scan with this patient, leave the Sensitivity at its
default. If, after taking the scan, you receive a warning message suggesting to lower or raise the
sensitivity, you can do so.
The navigation bar also contains the circular red "Scan" button, which can be used to start and
stop the scan. It is recommended, however, that you use the scan button located on the Handle,
which performs the same function.
Note: If the “Sensor” status in the Navigation Bar is green (shown below), then you are
ready to perform a scan. If instead it is red, try readjusting the sensor and sensor support in
the Handle and ensure the Handle is properly connected to the Computer's USB port.
8. To save your scan as a file that can be opened later, press the Save icon on the main Toolbar.
The scan is saved under the current Patient Record. The scans are numerically sequenced and
stored by date under the Patient Record. Notes and Scan Types should be used to provide some
distinction between scans for the same patient. In this way, you can create a categorical system
of scans under the same patient. This will also make it easier to find the correct scans to review
and analyze later.
9. To create a report from the current scan, go to File > Create Report. This allows you to export
the content of the current scan's 2D and 3D ForceView, as well as the Graph view and any
associated Notes, to an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file. From there, you can print the file or send the
file out through email. The window is printed exactly as it appears on-screen.
Sensitivity Wizard
Each patient has a more or less forceful bite. The Sensitivity setting aligns the sensor’s output with the
biting force of the patient. Allowing the operator to change sensitivity leads to a more useful scan with
less saturated sensels. Select a lower setting if too many saturated sensels are obtained in your scans.
Select a higher setting if the force is too low for a scan. Then re-scan the patient. The effective sensitivity
range is 1 (lowest) to 14 (highest), as represented by the 14 square blocks. It is advised that when
taking any recording, there are no more than 3 pink sensels displayed at MA (Maximum Area Frame).
This is the frame of the movie that has the most area covered by pressure data.
2. The first step is to place the sensor in the patient's mouth (shown below left). If it is a new sensor,
instruct the patient to bite on the sensor normally 2-3 times. This will condition the sensor and
acclimate the patient to biting on the sensor. Click the Next button to continue. The second step
is to instruct the patient to bite and hold as the system sets the sensitivity (shown below middle).
Once that is done, click the Next button.
3. When the procedure is completed, Step three is opened (shown below). At this point, you can
remove the sensor from your patient's mouth. Click the OK button to exit the Sensitivity Wizard.
Reviewing a Scan
Once you have performed a scan, it is available for your review. Your scan consists of a number of
frames of occlusal and disclusal force data that is "captured" during the scan period. This section reviews
the basics of scan playback.
Comparison View
You can view two Scans top to bottom within the Main
Window. To do this, ensure you have two Scans from the
same Patient open. Then drag one Scan thumbnail over the
other, and let go of the mouse (see image below left). The
two Scans are combined into a new Scan window, where
both Scans can be compared to each other, and the Scan
Thumbnails are highlighted in yellow, and labeled
numerically in the tab list and to the left of the scan. This
helps to distinguish them from any other Scans that might be
open at the time (see image at right).
Note: You cannot compare scans from one
patient to scans of another.
In this mode, the Graph Timeline will move all Scans together simultaneously. Likewise, using the
Keyboard Shortcuts "A," "B," "C," and "D" will move the Timeline to that point in both Scans. If you then
press the Play icon on the Navigation Bar, both scans are played forward in tandem.
Main Menu
The Main Menu provides most command operations within the T-
Scan system. The most frequently used items in the Main Menu
also have an icon on the Toolbar.
File Menu
• Patient List: Opens the "Patient List" dialog, where you can create a
new patient, edit an existing patient, create a new scan under any
existing patient, and open or delete a scan from any existing patient.
Refer to the "Patient List" Window for more information.
• New Scan: Opens a new scan for the current patient.
• Save Scan: Saves the current scan to your patient record.
• Export Scan: Clicking the Export Scan command opens the "Save"
dialog (shown below), where you can export the scan to any place you
like on your computer. The scan is saved in Tekscan's proprietary .fsx
file format.
• Save ASCII (Optional): Allows you to save the current Scan window data as an ASCII (text) file,
with the file name and location of your choice , which can then be placed in tabular software, such
as Microsoft Excel. Refer to the Saving ASCII Data section for more information.
• Create Report: Allows you to export the contents of the currently active scan, including
comments and graphs, to an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file. Refer to the Creating a Report section for
more information.
• Exit: Closes the T-Scan application. If you have any unsaved
scans open, you will be prompted with a message asking if
you wish to save the recording(s) to the database (shown at
right).
Edit Menu
• Scan Notes: Opens the "Notes" dialog, where comments can be entered for the current scan.
Refer to the Including Notes with a Scan section for further information.
• Movie Photographs: Opens the "Scan Images" dialog, where you
can associate Images to the scan. Refer to the Attaching an Image
to a Scan section for further information.
• User Settings: Opens the "User Settings" dialog, where the user
can adjust several global software parameters. Click on a specific
tab to access associated settings. The "User Settings" dialog is broken down into the following
tabs. Note that all images for the tabs below show the default settings. The Close button is
universal on all tabs and closes the dialog while also accepting any changes that were made in
the tabs. In other words, you do not need to explicitly Save any changes. You can make all your
changes to all tabs and press the Close button to accept these changes.
o Force Outliers: This tab allows you to
increase or decrease the relative force
between teeth during closure. This
helps to detect teeth that might have
irregular force and timing
characteristics. Decreasing the relative
force results in more Force Outliers
detected. Increasing the relative force
results in less Force Outliers detected.
The "High Force Outliers" slider adjusts
the high force range, while the "Low
Force Outliers" adjusts the lower force
range. Press the Defaults button if you
wish to return to the default "Force
Occlusal Time Outliers" which is a
setting of 3, as shown below. For more
information, refer to the Force Outliers
section.
o Sort force outliers by deviation: When selected, the Force outliers in the Occlusal Time
Table are adjusted by order of deviation (the deviation column) from lowest deviation value at
the top to the highest deviation value at the bottom.
An example of an Implant warning on the I-6 tooth. Note that hovering over the
warning will display the rationale for the warning. This can help guide you to
beware of potential issues when evaluating a patient.
Implants that have multiple conditions met will show the earliest warning first. This means that
the "early loading" warning will be displayed before any other.
To turn off all Implant Warnings, deselect the “Show implant warnings” checkmark. To reset
the Implant Warning Threshold to the default location, press the Reset Default button.
Timing pane displays when opening a scan: When selected, each time a scan is opened,
the Timing Pane on the right side of the software screen is also opened. When deselected,
the Timing pane is not opened. Refer to the Timing Pane section for more information.
Display COF by closure: By default (when selected), the COF for each bite in a multi-bite
movie will be displayed independantly (not overlapped). When deselected, the COF for each
bite in a multi-bite movie will be displayed cummulatively (overlapped), as the scan
progresses.
Only display scans for a single patient at a time: You can also elect to only open one
patient's scans at a time. Selecting this option means that you can open any number of scans,
but only for one patient. If you attempt to open the scans of another patient while a current
patient is already open, the other patient's scans are closed in favor of the new patient.
Use Windows default cursor: By default, a larger cursor is used within the T-Scan software,
for easier visualization. Selecting this option will revert the cursor to the one set up under the
Windows default.
Select a Language: This option lets you select a language for the software. Selecting a
language ensures that the software Views, Windows, Dialogs, Menus, and Toolbars are
displayed in the appropriate language.
View Menu
The view options are essential in the analysis of occlusal data. These
options are designed to enable the clinician to summarize the occlusal
contacts in useful formats, with the force and time relationships of the
contacts displayed as color images. Features, such as Maximum Bite
Force and Maximum Intercuspation, assist the dentist in the diagnosis
and treatment planning of occlusal disease, such as trauma caused by
transient forces and interceptive contacts. Center of Force Trajectory
analysis allows the dentist to examine the total effect of restorative dentistry
on the patient’s maximum closure and excursions, and is as easy as the
click of a mouse.
• Center of Force Trajectory: Illustrates the balance of the occlusion in the 2D ForceView, using a
graphic Center of Force (COF) target and Center of Force (COF) Trajectory line. This command
is a toggle which shows or hides the COF and COF Trajectory on-screen. The default is set to
show the COF and COF Trajectory. Refer to the Center of Force Trajectory section for more
information.
• First Contact (1): This brings the 2D ForceView, 3D ForceView, and Graph to the first frame of
the scan where initial contact force appears.
2D Contours: Displays a 2D Contours view of the scan in the 2D ForceView, with differences in occlusal
force represented by colors ranging from red (greatest) to blue (lowest). When enabled, the scan is
shown as Contours (default), where the force is smoothed out. In this mode, each sensel element is
represented by one square. This display looks the closest to the actual raw output of the sensor.
Window Menu
• 2D Display Window: Toggles to show or hide the 2D ForceView.
• 3D Display Window: Toggles to show or hide the 3D ForceView.
• Force vs. Time Graph: Toggles to show or hide the Graph
window.
• Tooth Chart: Displays the Tooth Chart. Note that with the Tooth
Chart enabled, it will take the place of the 3D ForceView on-
screen (see below). The Tooth Chart is also only available as
long as the 2D ForceView is displayed.
Toolbar icons also have "Tool Tips" associated with them. When the
cursor remains over an icon for a brief period, the "Tool Tip" will appear
under the cursor location (shown right).
The following provides an explanation of the options found on the
Toolbar:
• Patient List: Opens the Patient List dialog, where you can add, edit, and delete patient records,
and open or delete patient scans.
• Patient Name, Patient ID, and Scan Date: The patient's full name is listed on the top, and if they
have an ID associated with their record, the ID is listed on the middle row. Lastly, the Scan Date
is listed on the bottom row.
• Save Scan: If a scan has been taken, this icon becomes visible. To save the scan, press this
button. Scans are automatically saved under the Patient Record.
• Scan Type: Associate a procedure to the scan. Refer to the Scan Types section for further
information.
• Add Images: Allows you to attach Images to the scan. Refer to the Attaching an Image to a Scan
section for further information.
• Add Notes: Use this option to add notes that are associated to the scan. Refer to the Including
Notes with a Scan section for further information.
• Graph: This toggle button allows you to show or hide the Graph on-screen. By default, the Graph
is visible.
• Digital Impression Overlay: The Digital Impression Overlay feature allows you to import Upper
and Lower Arch Scan (.stl) files into the Patient Record. Refer to the Creating a Digital
Impression Overlay section for more information.
• Arch Selection: Allows you to select which arch of the patient is viewed on-screen: Upper,
Lower, or both simultaneously.
• Tooth Chart: This opens the Tooth chart for the patient. The Tooth Chart provides detailed
settings for the Patient's tooth and Arch. Refer to the "Patient Record" Window section for more
information.
• Display the T-Scan Help File: Opens the software Help File, which provides hardware and
software documentation for your T-Scan system.
• Close Scan: If a Scan has been taken or is opened on-
screen, you can close it using this button. Likewise, if you
have taken a scan and do not wish to save it, press this
button. The system will prompt you to either save or
discard the scan (see image at right).
The Active Scan Pane icon (shown below) toggles the Active Scan Pane on (open) and off (closed).
2D ForceView
The 2D ForceView displays the bite
mark in two dimensions; left and
right, as well as anterior and
posterior. As the patient bites down,
the sensor's color-coded tooth force
data is displayed in real-time with
lowest force (blue) to highest force
(red or saturated pink). The
resolution of the pressure is 255
levels of raw data, which is
translated into these colors. The T-
Scan software provides numerous
options for displaying, recording and
analyzing this real-time data.
As you play the scan back, you can
view the patient's bite over time, and
hone in on any time during the bite
to view the amount of force on the
left or right sides of the Arch. In the example below, the left side shows 68.7% of the force while the right
side shows 31.3% of the overall force. You can also view the force placed on each tooth as a
percentage, which is written on the inside of the Arch Outline. Tooth numbers are written on the outside
of the Arch Outline. In the example above right, we can see that 13.4% of the bite force is attributed to
tooth number 12. Each of the straight edge lines that divide the teeth are called "Embrasure" lines, and
the circular green line that encompasses the teeth and Arch is called the Arch Outline.
The 2D ForceView is displayed by pressing the New Scan button on the Handle. Alternately, clicking the
New Scan button on the “Patient List” window initiates a new scan.
If you hover your mouse over the embrasure line between two teeth, the tooth width is shown in a Tool
Tip (shown below left). You can click and drag the line to move it, thereby extending or contracting the
space between the two teeth adjacent to the embrasure line.
In addition, you can right-click over the 2D ViewForce and select Copy from the context menu (shown
below right). This copies the 2D ViewForce as an image that can be pasted into other programs, such as
Microsoft Word or Excel, for example.
In the image at left, the Scan is progressing through the first bite (as seen in the
graph below the Arch). The COF Trajectory is marked in red. In the second image in
the middle, the Scan is progressing through the second bite. The COF Trajectory is
marked in blue. In the third image at right, the Scan is progressing thorugh the third
bite. The COF Trajectory is marked in green.
In the above image above left, you can see all the COF Trajectories for all bites
within the Multi-bite Scan simultaneously. This view can be seen when the Timeline
is at the end (final frame) of the Scan (shown above right).
Timing Pane
The Timing Pane allows you to view the measurements of the bite timing (shown below left), as well as
each individual tooth’s timing (Tooth Selection -- shown below middle), and the Force Outliers (shown
below right). The Timing Pane has a direct relation to what you are viewing in the Graph below. Whereas
the graph displays the visual lines, the timing provides the numerical values or measurements. The two;
however, are providing the same data.
The Timing Pane toggle button allows you to show or hide the Timing Pane on-screen. By default, the
Pane is hidden. The visibility of the Pane is remembered even after you exit and reopen the program. For
instance, if you make the Pane visible, then close and reopen the program, the Pane remains visible.
You may also see indicator icons next to each of the Lines. This shows:
• Green checkmark: The green checkmark indicates that OT or DT is within an acceptable, user-
defined range.
• Yellow caution indicator: The yellow caution sign indicates that OT or DT is on the borderline of
an acceptable, user-defined range.
• Red warning indicator: The red warning sign indicates that OT or DT is not within an
acceptable, user-defined range.
Graph
The Graph displays the force versus time for the patient's overall bite, individual teeth, or Force Outliers.
Each graph line is color coded to provide an easy visual reference to areas of the Arch Model or
individual teeth.
Timeline
A thick grey line acts as a time indicator, and this can be moved to any location within the graph, allowing
you to jump to any point in time during the patient's bite, and view the force at that time. The 2D and 3D
ForceView also updates dynamically, depending on where the time indicator is located. Alternately, you
can click at any point within the graph to have the time indicator jump to that cursor point.
As with the A, B, C, and D lines, when selecting the Time indicator the cursor will change to a "hand"
icon. Clicking with the hand icon changes the cursor to a double-sided arrow. You can then drag the line
to the new position and let go of the mouse.
• The A/B/C/D lines work in a very different way from the main Time Line. The A/B lines and C/D
lines work in distinct pairs. Both A and B lines can never go beyond the C or D lines. Put another
way, the Occlusion start and end times (A and B) cannot be placed after the Disclusion Times (C
and D). If you attempt to move the A or B line beyond C or D, the A or B line will bounce back
and be placed at a point before (to the left of) the C or D line on the graph. The reverse of this
rule is also true. You cannot move the C and D lines (Disclusion Time) before the A and B lines
(Occlusion Time).
• When speaking of a single pair of lines (for example the A and B lines), the A line can never go
beyond the B line. Put another way, the Occlusion start time (A line) cannot come after the
Occlusion end time (B line). When moving the A line past the B line, both A and B lines are
switched (A becomes B and B becomes A). The same is true for the C and D line pair (noting
Disclusion Time). The C line cannot cross past the D line, and if this is attempted, the lines are
switched. In the same way, moving the B line before the A line, or the C line before the D line will
also switch the lettering for the line pair. What's important to remember here is that these lines all
stand for Occlusion and Disclusion start and end times, and these lines occur in a logical
sequence of events.
Graph Zoom icon: Allows you to zoom Graph Reset icon: Resets the Graph to
into a specific region of the Graph the default full-view.
In the image above left, the Graph Zoom icon was selected, and a region is being
outlined. The image above right shows the resultant Graph for this region.
When viewing the patient's overall bite, a black line maps the whole bite (Total Force), the green line
maps the left side of the arch, and a red line maps the right side of the arch.
The Total Force is relative. When a scan is taken, the software determines the point at which highest
force was achieved and this is measured to be 100% of the total force. This measurement is then used
for the Total Force line. On the other hand, the left and right lines are absolute, measuring the absolute
force at any point during the scan. For this reason, you will often see the Total Force line lower than the
left or right side force lines (as in the graph image below).
Graph displaying the Arch Model force vs. time for the patient's overall bite.
If you select View > Arch in Quadrants, the left (green) and right (red) side of the patient's bite are
replaced by four quadrant lines that outline the patient's left anterior (dark blue), left posterior (light blue),
right anterior (dark red), and right posterior (light red) quadrants.
Graph displaying the Arch Model force vs. time for the patient's overall bite,
mapped in quadrants.
To view the individual tooth force and timing within the graph, select them from the Occlusal Time Table
(Tooth Selection tab -- discussed previously).
When you select individual teeth, a Sigma symbol is displayed in the bottom right corner of the graph
(outlined in red below). This icon is used as a toggle switch to show teeth forces relative to each other
(as shown in the graph above – when the Sigma icon is disabled or "off"), or to display teeth forces
relative to the Total Scan Force Line (as shown in the graph below -- when the Sigma icon is enabled or
"on"). When enabled, The Total Scan Force Line is displayed in black (also seen below).
To view the teeth with Force Outliers within the graph, select them from the Occlusal Time Table (Force
Outliers tab -- discussed previously). Note that when an Outlier is clicked in the Occlusal Timing Table,
the Timeline of the graph (and the Scan as a whole) moves to the point where the Outlier occurs. In this
way, you can better and more immediately assess what caused the condition for the Outlier.
Graph displaying the Force Outliers for teeth numbers 11, 12, and 15 (force vs.
time) of the same patient above.
There are two options available if you right-click over the Graph view:
Copy allows you to copy the Graph as an image that can be pasted into
other programs, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, for example. Reset
A/B/C/D Lines allows you to reset the position of these lines to their
default, in the event you have moved them to a new location within the
Graph.
Graphs and Timing Settings
There are a few graph options available under the Edit > User Settings dialog that allow you to show /
hide elements of the graph and calculate the timing of the Occlusion and Disclusion. You can show or
hide the "Total Force" Curve (black curve when viewing the arch), the A / B Lines (Occlusion), or the C /
D Lines (Disclusion).
Pressing the Timing Settings button opens the "Timing Settings" dialog (shown below right). There are
two sliders for the Occlusal Time Range and two sliders for the Disclusal Time Range. Adjusting these
sliders allows you to set the range for the Occlusal and Disclusal algorithm that the software uses to
calculate the timing in the graph.
Navigation Bar
The Navigation Bar allows you to perform key operations for a new scan or review operations for an
existing scan. With a new scan, you can perform the following operations:
• Sensitivity: Use the Sensitivity Adjustment Selection to make the sensor more or less sensitive
to bite forces.
• Sensitivity Wizard: Walks you step-by-step through the sensitivity adjustment process, allowing
the software to select a proper sensitivity for you. See the Sensitivity Wizard section for more
information.
• Sensor Indicator: Displays the status of the sensor. If the indicator is green, the sensor is
aligned and ready to take a Scan. If the indicator is red, the Sensor is misaligned. Refer to the
“My Sensor Indicator is Red” section if this is the case.
• Scan Start / Stop Button: Initiates a patient scan. You will see the frame progression on the
right side of the navigation bar. After the patient has concluded their bite, pressing the Scan
button again stops the scan. By default, scans are 1200 frames and last approximately 1 minute
(20 frames per second), giving you plenty of time to obtain the patient scan.
• Move to Start: Moves the position of the scan to the beginning (first) frame.
• Back One Frame: Moves the position of the scan backward one frame.
• Play / Pause: Plays the scan forward from the current timeline position according to the Frame
Rate setting. Pressing the button while the playback is in progress will pause the playback. The
Spacebar can be substituted for this button; playing and pausing the scan. To play forward
continuously, press Shift+Spacebar.
• Forward One Frame: Moves the position of the scan forward one frame.
• Move to End: Moves the position of the scan to the end (last) frame.
• Timeline: The Timeline Slider allows you to move the Timeline manually to any position along the
scan. This updates all views dynamically. The Occlusion (A & B) and Disclusion (C & D) line
markers are indicated on this Timeline.
• Force / Time Indicator: Shows the Force percentage (as a percentage of overall force for the
entire scan) at the current Timeline position along the top.
The time indicator displays the current time of the Time
Indicator as well as the total time for the entire scan along
the bottom.
• Playback Speed: Allows you to select amongst three
playback speeds: Fast, Medium, and Slow (see image at
immediate right).
• Central Width: Allows you to adjust the patient's Central
Incisor Width (see image at far right). Use the Up / Down arrows to increase or decrease the
width.
• Force Legend Color Scale, Noise Threshold Adjustment Slider, and Upper Limit Slider: The
Legend is a segmented force color scale, which shows the range of colors displayed in the scan,
and their associated nominal forces. Differences in occlusal force displayed in the 2D and 3D
ForceView is distinguished by the colors ranging from red (highest forces) to blue (lowest forces).
The Pink color above the red maximum indicates sensels that are fully saturated. It is advised
that when taking any recording, there are no more than 3 pink sensels displayed at MA
(Maximum Area Frame).
All views are controlled by one legend, making it very easy to make comparisons between views.
The Legend’s key does not have any units. The range of the color scale is a digital range
distributed between 0 and 255 (for a total of 256 levels of force or "Raw Sum").
Clicking the New Patient button opens up a "New Patient Record" window, where you can enter
a new patient into the list. Refer to the New Patient Record window for more information.
Selecting a Patient Record from the list and pressing the Edit Patient button opens up the
"Patient Record" for that currently selected patient. This is the same window with the same
information, the only difference is that you are either creating a new patient record or editing an
existing patient record.
• Scan List: The Scan list area of the window is where all the scans for the currently selected
Patient are located. The following columns are available in the Scan List, from left to right: Scan
Number, Date Recorded, Scan Type, EMG (available only with optional BioEMG software
package), Photo, and Note. Scans are listed in descending order by Scan Number, so that the
most recent scan is listed at the top of the Scan List. As with the Patient List, you can reorder and
sort your scans by any column listed here if you click on the column heading. Clicking once on
the column heading sorts the Scan List ascending by that column. Clicking again will sort the
Scan List descending by that column.
The EMG (available only with optional BioEMG Integration Module), Photo, and Note field
deserve a special mention. A special icon in this field indicates whether or not a Scan is
associated with BioEMG data, has any associated photos attached, or contains notes.
• New Scan: This button opens up a new scan window so a new scan can be recorded.
• Open: This button opens the currently selected scan. You can also double-click directly on the
Scan from the Scan List to open it. If you wish to select multiple Scans, you can use the Ctrl Key
(to select multiple non-contiguous Scans) or the Shift key (to select a group of Contiguous scans
- select the first Scan, then holding the Shift key down, select the last scan. All scans in between
are selected). Once the Scans are selected, click the Open button and they are all opened at
once.
• Cancel: This button closes the "Patient List" window without making any changes.
Menu Options
There are two menus in the "Patient List" window. These are the available
commands:
• File Menu
o New Patient: Opens up a "New Patient Record" window,
where you can enter a new patient into the list. Refer to the
New Patient Record window for information.
o New Scan: Opens up a new scan window so a new scan can
be recorded.
o Import Patient: Allows you to import a patient's entire record, including all of their recorded
movies, from another program. When this option is selected, the user can select the patient's
"patient record file" (with the extension *.tpm), and begin importing their data. All Scans and
the Arch model are kept together and brought into the software database.
If the Patient doesn't already exist in the database, you will be presented with the dialog
shown below left. Click the OK button to accept and add the patient into the database. If, on
the other hand, the Patient already exists in your database, you will be presented with the
"Matching Patient Record" dialog (shown below right). If you click the Merge button, all Scans
from this Patient Record will be merged with the existing Patient Record. Nothing will be
deleted. The Scans are added to the existing patient's record. If you make any changes to the
Patient's Name and/or birth date in the dialog and press the Add button, the existing patient's
record is modified with the new information, and the Scans are added to the existing patient's
record (as Merge does). The only difference is that the new modified Name and/or birth date
alters the existing Patient's Name and/or birth date.
o Export Patient: Lets you export a patient's entire record, including all recorded movies, from
the software. When this option is selected, the user creates a new "patient record file" (with
the extension *.tpm) on their computer, with the name and location of their choice. All Scans
and the Arch model are kept together and transferred into the newly created file.
o Central Incisor Width: The proportions of the teeth in the Arch Model are based on the rule
of golden proportions in reference to the width of the Central Incisors. Increasing or
decreasing the "Central Incisor width" field changes the proportions of all teeth. The software
selects a default Central Incisor width of 8.5 mm, which automatically addresses the majority
of the population. The following procedure should be followed in order to adjust the Patient's
Central Incisor Width.
• Cancel Button: Closes the "Patient Record" window without making any changes.
• Delete Patient Button: This button is only available from the "Edit Patient Record" window
(which is the same as the "Patient Record" window, aside from this button). If you already have a
patient record created, and press the Edit Patient button from the "Patient List" window, you will
see this button at the bottom left corner of the window (see below left). Pressing the Delete
Patient button deletes the Patient and all related scans for that patient. For this reason, you will
see a warning dialog (shown below right), asking if you are sure you want to perform this action.
• File Menu
o Import Scans: This option is
only available after the patient
record has been saved or if
you open up a currently
existing patient record
through the Edit Patient
button on the "Patient List"
window. This option allows
you to open a scan or multiple
scans directly from your
computer and import them
into the current patient's
record using the "Import"
window (shown at right). To select multiple contiguous scans, use Shift+Click when selecting
files from the "Import" window. To select multiple non-contiguous scans, use Ctrl+Click when
selecting the files from the "Import" window. Then press the Open button. This closes the
"Import" window and associates the scans to the Patient Record.
o Save: Closes the "Patient Record" window and saves the current patient record within your
database.
• Help Menu
o About T-Scan 8: Displays a dialog box that provides basic information about the T-Scan
software.
o Technical Support: Provides information about contacting Tekscan for technical assistance
and feedback.
o Contents: Opens the Help File, where you can get T-Scan Hardware and Software
information.
Black embrasure lines as they are seen A theoretical model of "Active" region of
within the software. the sensor. Each tooth is enclosed
within a four-sided polygon.
Clicking on a Force Outlier will move the Scan to the exact point at which the Force Outlier occurs. The
Scan can then be stepped forward or backward in time to more quickly assess the condition that caused
the Outlier.
Scan Types
Scan types allow you to further categorize your scans by associating a procedure to the scan. Click the
drop-down list from the Toolbar to select a procedure (shown below left). You can also Edit this list and
add your own custom procedures from the list. To do this, select Edit from the drop-down list. This opens
the "Scan Types" dialog (shown below right). Select the plus (+) button to add new entries, or select an
entry to delete and press the minus (-) button. All entries are automatically ordered alphabetically. Press
the Close button to accept your changes and exit the dialog.
The T-Scan system is capable of scanning Left or Right Lateral excursions and Protrusions in real-time.
The benefit is that the bites can be studied over the length of the excursion or protrusion to see exactly
where and when problems occur in the bite. Once the scan is recorded, it can be labeled as Left Lateral,
Right Lateral, and Protrusion, among others.
Multi-Bite
The multi-bite procedure can be used to show a chewing pattern in the patient. The patient bites (hard),
holds, and opens several times during the scan. The software then analyzes each close, finds the close
with maximum force, and compares each close to that one. There is a threshold (which can be defined
by the user in the set user preferences options -- see below). The default value for a valid closure is 65%
of maximum force. For each valid closure, an A and B line are determined (Occlusion Time start (A) and
Occlusion Time end (B)). These are labeled A1 and B1 for the first valid closure, A2 and B2 for the
second valid closure, and so forth.
This process is limited to four valid closures in total, and the first four valid closures are used in graph
and bite calculations. All subsequent bites are excluded from the graph and calculations. The Graph
shows each A/B line pair. On the right side of the graph, the subsequent differential times are shown as
close 1, close 2, etc., and the average close time is calculated.
The software must be able to detect at least two “closures” and one “bite opening.” in the scan. In other
words, for the purposes of the software Multi-Bite algorithm, there must be more than one bite present in
the scan. The following points out the criteria needed for the software to detect the scan as a "Multi-Bite"
scan:
3. If you wish to add a new template, press the plus (+) button and type in your entry. Once the
Template is created, when you select it (as shown with the "after tens" Note Template in the
above image), two icons are displayed to the right of it. The Pencil icon allows you to edit the
Note Template; changing the Template entry text. The red "x" icon allows you to delete the Note
Template. Use the Save button to save the currently entered notes, and the Cancel button to exit
the dialog without any changes taking effect.
Creating a Report
Once you have Performed a Scan, you can create a report for the scan, or compare two scans together
(provided they are both open on-screen. This allows you to export the contents of the currently active
scan(s), including comments and graphs, to an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file and/or to your printer for a hard
copy printout. The window is saved/printed exactly as it appears on-screen, and includes a number of
options, outlined below.
To create a report, go to File > Create Report (shown below left). This opens the "Create Report" dialog
(shown below right), where you can specify additional options that determine how your report looks and
how it is output.
3. Click the Browse button for the Lower Arch Scan File (shown below left). Locate the Upper Arch
Scan (.stl) file, and click the Open button (shown below right).
4. When both the Upper and Lower Arch Scan Files are loaded, click the Save button (shown below
left). The "Simplify STL File" dialog opens (shown below right). Due to the high resolution of the
.stl file, Tekscan requires that it be reduced into a size that is manageable. Therefore, the
simplification process will be performed on both files. This results in files that can be manipulated
much faster. Click the Yes button to begin the "simplification" process.
5. Once the files are processed, select the Patient's Scan to which the Digital Impression Overlay
will be applied, and then click the Open button (shown below).
7. The Digital Impression Overlay is loaded into the Upper Arch (below the Pressure Data). This is
displayed in the image below.
9. When you have adjusted the Digital Impression to your satisfaction, click to deselect the 3D Edit
icon (shown below).
11. Drag the Timeline slider (shown below) to the right until you see the Pressure data displayed on-
screen.
12. With your mouse, click and drag the Digital Impression to fine tune its location within 2-
dimensional space (shown below). You can move the Digital impression right or left, and down or
up. Adjust the Digital Impression so that the teeth match the 2-D Arch Model as close as possible.
14. Click the Arch icon's drop-down arrow and select Lower Arch from the submenu. The Lower
Arch as well as the associated Digital Impression is displayed on-screen (shown below right).
16. Repeat the same process of orienting the Digital Impression and adjusting the Embrasure Lines
for the Lower Arch (shown below).
18. Re-Save the Scan by clicking the Save Scan icon on the Toolbar (shown below left). The
"Updated Arch Model" warning is displayed on-screen (shown below right). Click the Yes button.
Your Scan is now saved with the Digital Impression Overlay.
Force Eraser
The Force Eraser helps eliminate artifacts created by Class II occlusions and other dentitions that cause
excessive crinkling of the sensor. Patients that present with overjet and underjet, as well as those with
missing teeth, quite often record additional force in areas where contact is not actually being made due
to folding and crinkling of the sensor. In these cases, the Force Eraser feature can be used to selectively
discard areas of data that might be throwing the overall force percentages and Center of Force (COF) off
from their real values. You can apply your clinical understanding of the patient’s occlusion to guide you
through any force erasing you wish to make.
Note: Using the Force Eraser is non-destructive. When you remove forces from the
2D ForceView, the data is updated to reflect the adjusted scan, but this data is
never truly deleted. You can always restore the data by clicking on the "Restore all
forces" button (see step 5).
4. (Optional) To toggle views between the original scan and adjusted scan, click the Show / hide
Force Eraser icon on the Toolbar. The icon's color toggles between orange (adjusted scan) and
normal (original scan).
The images below show how the force data from the missing tooth #29 has been
erased in the adjusted scan (shown below left) as compared to the original scan
view (shown below right). Note also how the Arch and left versus right percentages
are adjusted accordingly. You can alternate between these two views using the
"Show / hide Force Eraser" icon on the Toolbar.
Note: Use caution when performing this action. Once you restore all the forces, you
will have to start over and once again erase the artifact area.
Software Updates
The Software Update feature is an automatic notification system that lets you know when there is an
update for the T-Scan software. You can also schedule how often the system checks for updates using
the "Available Updates" dialog. The following outlines how this feature operates.
1. If an update is available, a balloon opens from your
Taskbar (located at the lower right corner of your
screen) to inform you. You can double-click this
Link, where is states "T-Scan Update Available"
(shown at right)
Alternately, you can manually check for updates by going into Help > Update (shown below):
4. To update the software, click the Run Update button (shown below).
5. The "Confirm Run Update" dialog opens. Click the Continue button to download the software
update, or Cancel to cancel the update process.
Once the "Continue" button is pressed, the software starts to download (shown below).
6. Once the software download is completed, your software will close, and the Software update
wizard opens. Run the wizard to install your software. When finished, you can open your software
again by clicking on the T-Scan icon on your desktop or going into Start > Tekscan > T-Scan to
launch the software.
If the software is still unable to identify or locate the hardware, or the Handle does not connect properly,
contact Tekscan for technical support.
1. Remove and reinsert the Sensor, according to the instructions in the Setting up the T-Scan
Hardware section.
2. Ensure that two Sensors are not stuck together. If they are, peel apart the Sensors, and reinsert
one Sensor into the Handle, according to the instructions in the Setting up the T-Scan Hardware
section.
Standard Turbo
Small Large Small Large
Scan rate (Hz) 100 500
Sensels per sec 112,200 137,000 561,000 685,000
Data points per 5 sec scan 561,000 685,000 2,805,000 3,425,000
If you’re experiencing slow performance and your software is set to Turbo mode (on the "Advanced" tab
under Edit > User Settings), consider turning off Turbo mode or breaking up long scans into several
shorter scans.
Antivirus Scanning: The most common reason why users may experience degraded performance is
antivirus scanning software. Virus scanners that are configured to scan file system access in real time
will degrade the performance of many software programs that rely on file read / write operations. Taking
the Turbo example above, a 5-second Scan on a large sensor in Turbo mode might result in 3.4 million
antivirus scans as each frame of data is saved to an .fsx file. This adds significant overhead and time to
process the Scan. Manufacturers of antivirus software programs publish guidelines for excluding certain
file types from real-time scanning for precisely this reason. For example, TrendMicro, an antivirus
software company explains: “Database and encrypted type files should generally be excluded from
scanning to avoid performance and functionality issues” (excerpt from
http://esupport.trendmicro.com/solution/en-us/1059770.aspx?referral=1059795)
Microsoft also offers a list of recommended exclusions for their own products:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/953.microsoft-anti-virus-exclusion-list.aspx
4. When you have specified the type of data, click the Save button. The "Save As" dialog appears
(see image at right). specify
the file name and location for
the file. By default, ASCII
files are saved with the
extension *.csv. If Frame
data is saved, the suffix "_F"
will be appended to the
movie file name. If Center of
Force (COF) data is saved,
the suffix "_C" is appended to
the file name. Finally, if
Graph data is saved, the
suffix "_G" is appended to
the file name.
5. Once the file is saved you
can open it from within MS Excel. First, open Excel, and go to File > Open (shown below left).
6. Locate the .csv (ASCII) file you previously saved (shown below).
The file is opened in MS Excel. When one of these files is opened, the movie and sensor information (i.e.
sensor type, number of rows and columns, etc.) is displayed in the header, followed by the data in the
main body of the document. The following images provide examples of the type of information you will
see with each ASCII data type.
ASCII frame data, showing the Header and some cells with blank information on the
first frame.
3. The “Synchronize to Dentrix G5” window opens (below). The user is informed that once
integration is completed, all patient information editing is limited to the Dentrix G5 software. You
will not be able to add or edit patients from within the T-Scan application. Press Continue to
complete the integration.
The data between the two programs remains in synch, and the A, B, C, and D lines for the graph will
correspond to each other in both software programs. Additionally, there may be an "E" line which is
placed on both the BioPAK "EMG Sweep" and T-Scan "Graph," marking the initial point at which the
EMG muscle movement begins (see the lines highlighted in the blue squares in the images below -- The
T-Scan graph is on top, and the BioPAK EMG Sweep is on the bottom). This is usually found prior to the
"A" line. Any repositioning of these lines in the T-Scan software causes the corresponding line in the
BioPAK software to reposition, and vice versa.
Manufacturer:
Tekscan Inc.
307 West First Street
South Boston, MA 02127
USA
Product:
T-Scan® III – Pressure Analysis System Evolution (EH-2) Based
T-Scan® Novus™ – Pressure Analysis System Novus (DH-1) Based
Classification:
Class I, Rule 5, per MDD 93/42/EEC Annex IX
We herewith declare the products mentioned above meet the provisions of the Council Directives
93/42/EEC for medical devices. The declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the
manufacturer. All supporting documentation is retained under the premises of the manufacturer.
Standards Applied
Warnings
1. Medical electrical equipment needs special precautions regarding EMC and needs to be installed
and put into service according to the EMC information provided in the accompanying documents.
2. Portable and Mobile RF Communications Equipment can affect medical electrical equipment. If
this occurs, or if there is a high level of noise on your display screen, try moving to a location that
is not in proximity to other electrical devices (such as Televisions, radios, and cell phones).
3. Do not use or attach any components that are not explicitly stated within this manual.
4. ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) can halt the system. If the system stops functioning, shut down
the system by turning the power switches on all attached parts off. Also shut down the software.
Then turn on the system and restart the software. If problem persists, make sure the humidity in
the room is >30% and refrain from touching patient after equipment is installed and powered up.
If you are still having difficulty in operating the system, contact your local Tekscan representative.
5. The computer used with the applied part must be at a minimum approved to 60950-1. If the
computer is to be used within the patient environment then it must also be approved to
IEC60601-1 or have a medically approved isolation transformer between the computer and the
mains voltage. This setup must be tested by a qualified technician to meet the requirements of
IEC60601-1-1.
6. Computer placement – relative to the patient – should be at least 1.5 meters removed from the
patient environment to prevent patient contact.
7. If a non-medically approved computer is being used, do not touch both the computer and the
patient at the same time.
8. Sensor Replacement/Disposal: Always dispose of sensors in accordance with Federal and State
guidelines pertaining to medical biohazardous waste.
9. No user-serviceable parts. Do not try to service or take apart any Tekscan hardware. Consult with
your Tekscan representative if a component is not working correctly, or is not working as it
should.
2
2D Contour Mode: Displays the pressures as a two-dimensional, contoured image, with differences in
occlusal force represented by colors ranging from red (greatest) to blue (lowest). The sharp corners of
the sensor output are smoothed, making the pressure boundaries easier to discern.
A
A - B Incremental Time Analysis: The A and B lines are found within each Force Vs. Time Graph and
represented as capitalized lettering above vertical broken lines. The time differential between these two
lines reveals the elapsed time within two operator chosen “time points” in the force scan. These lines can
be moved closer together, or farther apart, to calculate the elapsed time of any selected portion of the
force scan.
A and B Lines: The A and B lines are found within each Force Vs. Time graph and represented by
capitalized lettering above vertical hyphenated lines. These lines can be moved within the graph to
calculate the elapsed time of any chosen time sequence of force scan frames.
Aberrant Force Concentration: Excessive occlusal force located in one or two isolated areas of the
dental arch or prosthesis.
Abfraction: the pathologic loss of hard tooth substance caused by biomechanical loading forces. Such
loss is thought to be due to flexure and chemical fatigue degradation of enamel and/or dentin at some
location distant from the actual point of loading—comp ABLATION, ABRASION, ATTRITION, EROSION.
Arch in Quadrants (View Menu): Created from a 2-quadrant graph by clicking and holding down the left
mouse button on the top border of the Force Plot. The mouse is then dragged down from the top border
of the Force Plot. This horizontal dividing line may be placed in any selected anteroposterior position.
There are 2 additional lines defined by the anterior right line (Aqua) and the anterior left line (Purple).
This Force Plot is divided specifically at the distal of the canine teeth so that the effectiveness of the
Anterior Guidance can be accurately determined.
Arch Model: The Arch Model uses a combination of the contact energy outline of the 2D Contour view,
which defines the arch, and the proportionality of human teeth, to establish the tooth interface
approximations. The Arch Model is saved with a scan.
Articulating Paper: ink impregnated Mylar or carbon paper strips that can be used to label occlusal
contacts.
B
Bilateral Force Equality: an equal force distribution between the right and left halves of the Force Plot
that where the final force result is equal to 50% right - 50% left.
Bilateral Simultaneous Contact Sequence: All contacts meeting within .1 - .3 seconds or less, with a
high degree of right side to left side force balance; approximately 50% right to 50% left all through the
elapsed time from 1st contact to complete occlusal contact. See "True Time Simultaneity".
Black Force Line: The Total Force Line – This line represents changes in the total force of the occlusion
as teeth engage, or disengage, during closure or excursive function.
C
Center of Force (COF): In a normal occlusal arrangement, the summation of the occlusal forces gives
rise to a repeatable, and centered area that is located on the midline of the maxilla, and sits
anteroposteriorly in the 1st premolar to 1st molar region of the dental arch.
Center of Force Ellipse: COF target that represents the ideal location of the center of force in a normal
subject.
Center of Force Icon: square red icon that is referenced positional to the center of force targeted region.
Center of Force Trajectory: Center of Force Trajectory displays the history of the path of the Center of
Force, from the beginning of the scan to the current displayed frame. The movement of the Center of
Force Trajectory, as the patient closes their teeth together, can be tracked by playing a scan one frame
at a time with COF Trajectory selected from the tool bar. The trajectory is represented on the screen by a
red and white line that 'trails' the COF marker.
Central Fossa: A groove in the center of a posterior tooth that travels between the facial and lingual
cuspal inclines.
Central Incisor Width: Mesiodistal width of the maxillary central Incisor. This value is inserted into the
patient database to construct the T-Scan arch model. It can be measured with a periodontal probe that
has 1 mm denominations, or a Boley Gauge
Contact Duration: The elapsed time that passes for an individual tooth contact to make initial occlusal
contact, and increase in force, until it becomes static.
Contact Force Content: The occlusal forces contained within an occlusal contact.
Contact Order: The tooth contact sequence from 1st contact to 2nd contact to 3rd contact etc. until
static intercuspation is reached.
Contact Simultaneity: Theoretically, all occlusal contacts meet at the same time; clinically impossible to
achieve. The range of acceptability is that all teeth meet in .1 - .2 seconds.
Converging Force Lines within a graph (B): Converging lines indicate increasing tooth contacts are
progressing as mandibular closure is transpiring. This line pattern is seen within the earliest part of the
tooth contact loading sequence and precedes static intercuspation.
Customizing the Arch Model: To properly space the hash marks in a similar way to how dimensionally
spaced the patients teeth are in relation to each other by properly entering the patients Central Incisor
width.
Degree of Simultaneity: A description of how simultaneously all occlusal contacts achieve contact with
their opposing contacts during mandibular closure into centric relation or Maximum Intercuspation.
Diastema: Space between neighboring teeth. When inserting the Central Incisor width into the patient
database, add ½ the diastema dimension to the mesiodistal width of one Central Incisor.
Diverging Force Lines within a graph (A): Diverging lines indicates an excursion has been
commenced.
E
Elongated Trajectory Path: Representative of a patient self-closure sequence involving significant
anterior tooth contacts. The trajectory commences anterior to the COF target and travels into the COF
target.
Excursive Anterior Guidance: Anterior teeth inclined plane lingual surfaces of teeth #s 6-11 (Canine,
Lateral Incisor, Central Incisor) that are in contact with their opposing lower anterior teeth, to disclude the
posterior teeth bilaterally in protrusive and lateral excursions.
Excursive Graph: This type of graph illustrates the same converging force changes that occur as the
patient occludes, as well as the force changes that occur during a mandibular excursion. The mandibular
closure phenomenon (represented the same way as in the Full Closure graph) precedes the
commencement of the excursion. Static interdigitation is followed by diverging force lines as the patient
makes an excursive movement.
F
Fixed / Detachable Implant Prosthesis: Implant prosthesis classified by Misch as an FP – 3 prosthesis.
It replaces missing crowns, gingival color, and a portion of the edentulous site. It can be fabricated from
the combination of a gold metal superstructure that is anchored to a number of implants, with acrylic
denture teeth embedded into heat processed denture acrylic, that is mechanically retained onto the gold
superstructure. The prosthesis remains fixed in place upon implant abutments, until the operator chooses
to remove the prosthesis for maintenance visits involving implant hygiene and material repairs. Therefore
it can be either fixed in place, or detached, and then replaced when necessary. The anchorage for this
type of prosthesis may be screw retained, or provisionally cemented.
Force Centering Target Area: The Center of Force is represented by a square red icon that is
referenced positional to a targeted region that is centered on the midline of the maxillary arch, and
extends from the distal of the canine back to the distal of the 1st molar. The dimensions of the outlined
region describe an ellipse, which gives the clinician an estimate of the balance of forces for any subject
with respect to normal.
Force Discrepancy: Lack of force balance between individual teeth, or side-to-side imbalance, or
anteroposteriorly.
Force Distribution: The arrangement of occlusal forces throughout the dental arch or prosthesis.
Force Scan Frame: A .01 second moment in a recorded scan. The .01 second long individual frames,
when played in succession, make up the entire scan.
Force versus Time Graph: The active 2D ForceView is divided into two equal underlined colored boxes
(one red and one green). A Relative Force vs. Time graph, with color-coded force percentage lines
represents the forces inside each of the colored boxes. A graph will automatically be created when you
take a scan or open a previously recorded scan.
G
Graph: This type of graph illustrates the converging force changes that occur as the patient occludes on
the sensor. The converging force lines are followed by static, non-changing forces when the patient
reaches maximum intercuspation. These force lines remain horizontal as the mandible remains fixed in
place against the maxilla. Static interdigitation of the closure phenomenon has been reached. Each 2-
quadrant graph contains 3 distinct colored force lines (Red, Green, Grey), 1 vertical “Time line” (black), 2
vertical hyphenated lines known as the “A and B lines”, and the Colored Force Lines.
Graph Icon: A button on the toolbar that will show or hide the graph.
Green Force Line: The Left Side Force Line – This line represents changes in the forces of the left half
of the arch.
Guided Closure: The operator assists the patient's mandible in its closure. Chin point guidance, and
bimanual manipulation are 2 types of guided closures. See Centric Relation", "Bimanual Manipulation".
Guided Occlusal Adjustments: Utilizing the T-Scan force and time sequence data of the existing
pretreatment occlusal scheme to make appropriate occlusal adjustments that correct the observable
force and time sequencing discrepancies.
H
Handle: The operator-controlled vehicle to record T-Scan force data. The sensor and sensor support are
held in place within the handle.
High Contacts: An occlusal contact that is perceived by the patient to be in the way of all their other
tooth contacts making contact.
Horizontal Force Lines within a Graph: Horizontal lines indicates that static intercuspation has been
reached, and force levels will not change further, unless an excursion is commenced.
Implant Supported Reconstruction: Any full arch prosthesis that is anchored to implants only.
L
Loading of a Prosthesis: See "Occlusal Loading".
M
Marginal Ridge: Fossa raised area on the mesial and distal occlusal surfaces that sit at the mesial and
distal ends of the central.
Max Force: This option illustrates the maximal force of closure for any bite, collected over a series of
frames.
Maximum Intercuspation (View Menu): The maximum intercuspation is the point (or frame) in the scan
where the most sensels are active.
Moving the A and B Lines: To select a time increment for elapsed time calculation, it is necessary to
position the A and B lines at two different selected “time” locations. They can be moved within the graph
window by placing the mouse over either selected line. This action will change the mouse into a
horizontal double-sided arrow that is superimposed over the vertical broken line. Then, by holding down
the left mouse button, the 1st selected line can be “dragged” to its new “time” location. Move the 2nd line
in a similar fashion. The graph data box will calculate incremental elapsed time while the lines are being
moved. The final elapsed time is then displayed.
Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS): A group of head, neck, temporomandibular joint, and
facial muscular dysfunctional symptoms, that are considered to be muscle contraction type. This
collection of varying symptoms is considered a subdivision of TM Disorder. Facial pain and tension, jaw
and chewing fatigue, temporal headaches, eyes strain, some migraine headaches, earaches, ear pain,
clicking and popping TM Joints, and neck stiffness characterize MPDS. Pain from clenching and bruxism
are also related symptomotology.
N
Neurological Feedback: Afferent neuro-chemical impulses to the Central Nervous system that originate
within the periodontal ligament from tooth compressions. These impulses travel to the Trigeminal
Nucleus within the Brain, and result in Efferent impulses that return to the muscles of mastication. There
these impulses instruct contractions during chewing and clenching, and/or reflux opening to avoid
trauma.
Non-Simultaneous Contact Sequence: Occlusal contact order where one side of the dental arch
reaches contact prior to the other. The COF Trajectory will move away from the palatal midline towards
the side that is earlier, and later in the sequence, move towards the side that follows the earlier side.
There will not be a straight trajectory pathway.
O
Occlusal Anatomy: The cusp shapes, ridge, and groove forms that comprise the contours of the
occlusal surfaces.
Occlusal Loading: Occlusal force transmission between 2 or more teeth, or applied to a dental
prosthesis.
Occlusal Management: Occlusal adjustment therapy applied to teeth, or dental prostheses, to control
occlusal forces and time sequencing of occlusal contacts.
Occlusal Scheme: The designed functionality of the tooth contact arrangement as it pertains to
excursive function. a) Posterior Group Function b) Anterior Guidance with Posterior Disclusion c)
Bilateral Balance are differing occlusal schemes.
Occlusal Timing View: A descriptive window that contains the force percentage by quadrant, and the A-
B incremental time calculation. The Occlusal Timing View also contains Tooth Timing information and
Force Outlier calculations.
P
Palatal Midline: Refers to the midline division of a Force Plot that results in right and left halves to the
force Plot. The palatal midline travels through the COF target.
Premature in Time: The earliest tooth contacts that occur in advance of static intercuspation.
R
Real-Time Window: The window in which a real-time recording can be obtained. This is a 2-dimensional
window only.
Red Force Line: This line represents changes in the forces of the right ½ of the arch.
Relative Occlusal Contact Time Changes: Changes to the time differential between successive
occlusal contacts that result from T-Scan guided occlusal adjustments that are designed to improve
contact simultaneity.
Rule of Golden Proportions for Teeth: The average central incisor width is 1.6 x the width of the lateral
incisors; 1.4x the width than the canines, and so on down the line, with respect to each tooth in the
maxillary arch. This proportion is used to position the hash marks of the customized T-Scan II dental
arch.
Self-Closure: The patient closes their mandible into maximum intercuspation, unguided by the operator.
Sensel: Individual pressure sensing locations within a T-Scan sensor, which are referred to as ‘sensing
elements’.
Sensitivity Adjustment: In order to properly discern the differing occlusal forces contained within an
arch of tooth contacts, it is necessary to establish a proper force recording range that is matched to each
patient individually.
Sensor: The T-Scan sensor is an ultra-thin (.004", 0.1 mm), flexible printed circuit that detects occlusal
forces. These sensors are made up of approximately 2,000 individual pressure-sensing locations, which
are referred to as ‘sensing elements’, or ‘sensels’. The ‘sensels’ are arranged in rows and columns on
the sensor. Each sensel can be seen as an individual square on the computer screen by selecting the
2D-display mode. The output of each sensel is divided into 256 increments, and displayed as a value
(raw sum) in the range of 0 to 255 by the software.
Sensor Support: A plastic, removable and autoclavable insert to the recording handle that orients the T-
Scan sensor.
Short Disclusion Time: < .5 seconds of elapsed time from excursive commencement to complete
Anterior Guidance control with no posterior teeth in contact. See "Lengthy Posterior Disclusion Time".
Short Trajectory Path: Representative of a Centric Relation Closure occlusal contact sequence. There
is little early anterior tooth contact so the path of the trajectory commences close to the COF target, and
moves slightly posterior.
Straight Line Path of Closure: A COF trajectory that travels vertically down the palatal midline of a
Force Plot. This type of trajectory indicates bilateral simultaneous occlusal contacts. See "COF
Trajectory".
T
Time Delay: An operator purposefully designed non-simultaneous contact arrangement employed in
mixed implant/natural tooth occlusal schemes; the implant segments occlude slightly after the natural
teeth occlude. This time delay allows a short time differential for the natural teeth to load, and depress
into their Periodontal Ligament fibers, before the implant segments make initial occlusal contact.
Time Differential: Elapsed time between 2 points in a scan. Can be calculated by the A-B lines.
Time of Loading: Elapsed time from 1st contact to complete occlusal contact.
Toolbar: The T-Scan Toolbar contains often-used commands for the software. It is located at the top of
the Main Window, just below the menu.
Uniform Force Distribution: 1. All occlusal contacts in one arch or prosthesis contain the same degree
of force. 2. All occlusal forces per side of an arch are equal to those on the opposite side of the arch i.e.
50% right – 50% left.
Uniform Loading: All occlusal contacts demonstrate similar force color-coding while the occlusal result
demonstrates bilateral fore equality.
Unmatched Contacts: Occlusal contacts present on one side of the Force Plot and dental arch that are
not present on the opposite side of the Force Plot or dental arch. An example would be a patient who
presents without 2nd molars on their right side, but has occluding 2nd molars on their left.