A Feedback Method to Determine the Three-dimensional Bite-force Capabilities of the Human Masticatory System

Abstract

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 recruitement patterns of the jaw muscles. Some examples of measurement are given.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ahlgren, J. and Owall, B. (1970): Muscular Activity and Chewing Force, a Poly-graphic Study of Human Mandibular Movements, Arch Oral Biol 15:271-280.

Dechow, P.C. ; Carlson, D.S. ; Labanc, J.P. ; and Epker, B.N. (1983): Changes in Bite Force by Masticatory Muscle Repositioning in Macaca nemestrina, Am J Phys Anthropol 60:187-188.

Graf, H. ; Grassl, H. ; and Aeberhard, H.J. (1974): A Method for Measurement of Occlusal Forces in Three Dimensions, Hely Odont Acta 18:7-11.

Manns, A. ; Miralles, R. ; and Palazzi, C. (1979): EMG, Bite Force, and Elongation of the Masseter Muscle under Isometric Voluntary Contractions and Variations of Vertical Dimensions , J Prosthet Dent 42:674-682.

Mansour, R.M. and Reynik, R.J. (1975): In vivo Occlusal Forces and Moments: I. Forces Measured in Terminal Hinge Position and Associated Moments, J Dent Res 54:114-120.

Proffit, W.R. ; Fields, H.W. ; and Nixon, W.L. (1983): Occlusal Forces in Normal and Long-face Adults , J Dent Res 62:566-571.

Pruim, G.J. ; ten Bosch, J.J. ; and de Jongh, H.J. (1978): Jaw Muscle EMG-Activity and Static Loading of the Mandible, J Biomechan 11:389-395.

Ringovist, M. (1973): Fibre Sizes of Human Masseter Muscle in Relation to Bite Force, J Neurosci 19:297- 305.

Watanabe, M. and Hannam, A.G. (1986): Bite Force in Three Dimensions and Associated Jaw Muscle Activity, J Dent Res 65:804.

10.

Widman, S.E. and Ericsson, S.G. (1982): Maximal Biteforce with Centric and Eccentric Load , J Oral Rehabil 9:445-450.