Articulating Paper Thickness Matters More Than You Think

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Not every mark left by occlusal paper is real. Sometimes that large, dark spot is merely a false positive.

What's going on?

When you use thicker papers such as 100 or 200 µm:

• The recorded contact area looks larger, even when the actual force isn't high.
• Because the paper is stiffer, it doesn't conform precisely to the detailed anatomy of the tooth surfaces → the result? Smeared, misleading contacts.
• Excessive thickness can also disrupt the patient's proprioceptive system and cause deviation of the mandible.

The evidence-based solution:

The occlusal adjustment protocol should always be two-stage

• 1️⃣ Global mapping: thick paper (100–200 µm) only to locate general contact points and premature contacts.
• 2️⃣ Fine adjustment: thin films (8–40 µm) such as Arti-Fol®.
• 3️⃣ Final verification: Shimstock (8 µm).

Remember:
A bigger mark = more force
A more precise mark = the right decision

The ultimate goal?

A stable occlusion, simultaneous contacts, and minimal interferences — not merely bold marks on the teeth.

The content of this page is intended for the educational use of dentists and dental students.