Jaw Bite Force Measurement Device
We describe a cost-effective device that uses an off-the-shelf force transducer to measure patient bite force as a diagnostic aid in determining dental implant size, number of implants, and prosthetic design for restoring partial edentulism. The main advantages of the device are its accuracy, simplicity, modularity, ease of manufacturing, and low cost.
Figure 1. The sensor head of the industrial pressure-measuring device (Flexforce). Figure 2. The sensor is constructed in layers consisting of a flexible substrate layer; a silver layer; a pressure-sensitive ink layer; 2 layers of adhesive; and lower layers of ink, silver, and flexible substrate. Figure 3. Schematic of the electronic circuit of the sensor. Figure 4. An increase in applied bite force causes a decrease in electronic resistance, which is correlated with bite force in Newtons. There is a linear increase in conductance and an increase in applied bite force.
Figure 5. The sensor was equipped with a laboratory-fabricated button and a neoprene disc. Figure 6. The button and discs were held with a Dacron lace. Figure 7. The sensor was connected to a multimeter (Omega Engineering) for readings, which were converted to bite force in Newtons. Figure 8. The assembled device is placed between the teeth, and the patient is asked to bite with maximum force.