Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the vibration of obturator framework designs and investigate the vibration effects of connecting parts of the components. Four designs of maxillary obturator framework were used in this study: a partial palatal plate with continuous bar (A), with a part of continuous bar (B), without continuous bar (C)
and without continuous bar and indirect retainer (D). In order to investigate the vibration of each framework (total) and some component parts, the measurement points of the retentive parts were devided into 3 groups; anterior, middle and posterior. The framework was activated by a vibration generator. The vibration of each measurement point was detected with a laser doppler vibrometer. The frequency response signals were conducted by an FFT Analyzer between 220-2000 Hz. The maximum displacement (MDP) and the decay rate (DR) of the vibration were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD (p<0.05). The result showed that in the posterior group, MDP of D was higher than those of A, B and C. Regarding the anterior, middle and total group, the DR of D were lower than A, B and C. It was suggested that D might be clinically unfavorable.