Novel User-friendly Device for Human Bite Force Measurement

Abstract

Statement of Problem: Bite force is generated due to the consonance between different parts of the masticatory system. In dentistry, measurement of the bite force is quite common through several methods and devices.Objective: The aim was to present a novel bite force-measuring device that could help reducing the costs.Materials and Methods:This study presented the design, fabrication, and calibration method of a novel low-cost bite force-measuring device based on a force-sensitive resistor and application of strain gages. The FSR 402 was the selected sensor, which was suitable in size for placement in mouth, sterilizable for reuse, and contained biocompatible material.It could measure a large bite force of up to 90kgwith high repeatability.The device had a liquid crystal display (LCD) for immediate visualization of the results and a system for quick calibration of the device in office. To assess the accuracy of the device, some forces were applied to the sensor in nine values from11 to 80kg. The mean of measured force, absolute error, and error percentage were measured and recorded.Results: The mean relative error was almost 2% within the range of 11-80kg. The lowest error percentage was 0.46% at the load of 52kg and the highest error percentage was 3.97% at the load of 28 kg.Error percentage was 2.51% in the lowest range (11kg) and 2.65% in the highest range (80kg).The relative error in different ranges did not follow a particular trend.Conclusions:The bite force-measuring device is an economical and user-friendly appliance that can be simply used for routine practice in the office. The device shows good linearity and repeatability. It also has a calibration apparatus that can help maintaining the device accuracy.