Journal of Dental Research, Vol 67, 450-454, Copyright © 1988 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals

ARTICLES

A feedback method to determine the three-dimensional bite-force capabilities of the human masticatory system

T. M. van Eijden, J. H. Koolstra, P. Brugman and W. A. Weijs
Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

A feedback procedure is described that enables a subject to exert bite forces in certain specified directions during static contraction of the human jaw muscles. The output of a three-dimensional transducer is fed to a computer. The magnitude and direction of the resultant force are computed and visualized by a cross on the screen of the computer terminal. In a bite experiment, the subject is instructed to match this cross with a point on the screen, representing the desired bite-force direction. The procedure allows for determination of the range of possible bite-force directions and magnitudes for various locations on the dental arch and study of the concomitant recruitment patterns of the jaw muscles. Some examples of measurement are given.

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