Abstract
A new system for detecting occlusal tooths contact at various jaw positions was devised. This system was composed of special micro photo sensors, and tooth contacts can be measured with minimum stress to patients.
Reproducibility of the sensor's accuracy and a tolerance limit of the surface inclination of the target were proved to be sufficient for the application to patients.
Sensor heads were attached to the buccal surfaces of the upper molars with removable metal sprints, and targets made of self-curing resin were also fixed to the lower molars opposite to each sensor head. The sensors were adjusted to work in accordance with tooth contacts, and mandibular position could be easily distinguished, i.e., right side, center or left side.
It is suggested that continuous observation of the occlusal parafunctions such as bruxism is performed in detail with more accuracy than other methods. Moreover, combining this system with EMG would enable us to simultaneously measure the frequency and power of tooth contacts.
