Abstract
We have established a system for calculating bite force from integrated electromyograms to evaluate the function of complete denture wearers. However, this system has only measured the value of bite force and could not refer to its direction. Accordingly, we capitalized on the three-dimensional bite force measuring device to assess the direction of bite force.
The purpose of this study was to confirm the accuracy of the device under the load examination.
Results obtained were as follows:
1. The device was in error by less than 2% when it was instituted calibration constant of each load cell, range of 1-50kgf.
2. The maximum variance of mean output value on each load cell by horizontal rotation was 2%. Therefore, it was confirmed that horizontal rotation did not influence the accuracy of the measuring device.
3. The accuracy of the device by inclination was examined. The mean output value of each load cell showed a linear range of 1-50kgf, and the device was in error by above than 24%, toward 5 degrees inclination. So, if the device is to be set up in an experimental denture, it is necessary to install it as parallel as possible on to the horizontal plane.
These results suggested that the measuring device is very precise for measuring the value and direction of bite force.
