MASTICATORY FORCE MEASUREMENT IN NATURAL DENTITION
L. Himmlova1, T. Goldmann2 and S. Konvickova2
1
Institute of Dental Research 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University and General Medical Hospital, Vinohradska 48, 120 21
Prague 2, Czech Republic,
2
Czech technical University in Prague, Laboratory of Biomechanics, Technicka 4, 166 67 Prague, Czech Republic; email:
himmlova@seznam.cz, web: www.vus.cz
INTRODUCTION
Clinical observations and mathematical models show that
the loading influences natural teeth as well as dental
implants. Teeth/implants are loaded during masticating,
phonation and even in quiescent condition (breathing,
swallowing). The masticatory force reaches the highest
values of all, so its magnitude and direction is determinative
for choice and usage of dental materials and prosthetic
treatment planning. The magnitude of masticatory force
acting on each single tooth is likely very individual and
dependent on extensive number of variables varying during
the life (number of occluding teeth, size of contact surface,
type of the food). Therefore it is very important to determine
not only masticatory force but especially its direction and
frequency when acting. These factors can be responsible for
possible overloading of teeth, abutments or implants. The
aim of the proposed project was the experimental detection
of physical quantities, which will result in chewing forces
magnitude computation.
METHOD
Measurement of masticatory force from the biomechanical
point of view was realized by measurement of crownwork
strain occurring during loading. All measurements were
performed using individually custom-built crownworks of
first lower molars, because these are most mechanically
loaded teeth in the natural dentition.
The crownwork was pipe shaped with the physiological
adjustment of upper relief, the lower part geometrically
responded to an upper surface of the molar stub. Three
measuring and one compensating strain gauges were placed
in the central part of the crownwork made from light curing
composite material. The strain measured by strain gauges
and point of the occlusal contact of the first lower molar
crownwork with antagonist was detected during experiment.
Spider 8 multi-channel electronic measurement unit realized
measurements. The magnitude and direction of loading force
was computed from strain gauges measurement, location of
occlusion and from known crownwork profile. Subjects
were asked to chew with maximal and ordinary force.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The strains measured of 5 subjects with natural dentition
were recorded. Approximated value of ordinary chewing
force reached 135 N. Resultant values computed in this pilot
study suggest, that chewing forces are markedly individual
and depending on chewing habits of each subject.
The knowledge of mastication biomechanics may facilitate
prosthetics work articulation, may permit usage of current
prosthetic and filling materials for presently marginal
indications and may result in their further modifications.
Also the innovation of occlusal surface morphology
adjustment can influence the susceptibility to fracture of
treated teeth crowns, fractures or abrasion of dentures and
implant stress distribution.
CONCLUSIONS
The information obtained in this pilot study indicate, that
magnitude of the chewing force vary by individual. The
results of this study can be used to plan treatment and to
reconstruct defective dentition from a masticatory point of
view, as well as to validate treatment procedures. Results
can also affect the design and the usage of materials for the
dental implants, their position in jaws and the shape of the
occlusal surface of bridgeworks and dentures. The
implementation of measured quantities into mathematical
models is very important from the technical viewpoint. The
boundary condition for FEM models of tooth-bone or dental
implant-bone interface may be developed following
masticatory force measurement.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was funded by the Czech Ministry of Education
project No. MSM 6840770012 and by the Grant Agency of
the Czech Republic under project No. 106/06/0849.