Abstract: Objective: To analyze the occlusal characteristics in patients with vertical root fracture (VRF) using T-scan Ⅲ. Methods: The occlusal courses of 8 patients with VRF and normal occlusion were recorded by T-Scan III system in intercuspal position (ICP) and lateral movement. The distribution of tooth occlusal force percentages (T-FP), two sides occlusal force percentages (TS-FP), occlusion time (OT), disclusion time (DT), and asymmetry index of occlusal force (AOF) were examined by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks sum test. The distribution of premature contact and the position of center of force (COF) were examined by Fisher's Exact Test. All tests were used at two-tailed significant level 0.05. The result was significantly different when P<0.05. Results: T-FP, AOF, OT, and DT in VRF group were more than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was significant difference in the COF between two groups (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences on the excursion direction of COF, TS-FP, and the incidence of premature contact between two groups. Conclusion: There was unbalanced occlusion in patients with VRF. Unbalance and poor stability of occlusion contact can contribute to the occurance of VRF.

Key words: Vertical root fracture (VRF), T-Scan, Occlusal characteristics