Biomaterial Database

A novel bite force recorder and maximal isometric bite force values for healthy young adults. 1993

A Waltimo, and M Könönen

Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Human bite forces have been studied with several types of equipment, and the maximal values reported have varied greatly. In the present study, a new bite force recorder was developed to measure human bite forces. When measuring maximal bite force, the mandible is, laterally and sagittally, almost in the intercuspal position, while the vertical opening of the jaws in the molar region is about 14 mm. Several teeth bite upon the housing. A quartz force transducer serves as a sensory unit. A microprocessor produces a numeric result, shown on a liquid crystal display (LCD). In order to adapt the sensor to be a part of a bite force recorder, we designed a unilateral housing of nonhardened tool steel. In laboratory calibration tests, a series of loads from 112.8 to 1691.5 N was used. The maximal bite forces of healthy undergraduate dental students, 15 men and 15 women, were investigated. The results for both genders remarkably exceeded the values previously reported for unilateral housings. The mean maximal bite force value in the molar region was 847 N for men and 597 N for women. The finding that pain or lack of muscular strength most often limited the clenching suggests that the actual masticatory potential was registered.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007537	Isometric Contraction	Muscular contractions characterized by increase in tension without change in length.	Contraction, Isometric,Contractions, Isometric,Isometric Contractions
D008297	Male		Males
D008410	Masticatory Muscles	Muscles arising in the zygomatic arch that close the jaw. Their nerve supply is masseteric from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. (From Stedman, 25th ed)	Masticatory Muscle,Muscle, Masticatory,Muscles, Masticatory
D012016	Reference Values	The range or frequency distribution of a measurement in a population (of organisms, organs or things) that has not been selected for the presence of disease or abnormality.	Normal Range,Normal Values,Reference Ranges,Normal Ranges,Normal Value,Range, Normal,Range, Reference,Ranges, Normal,Ranges, Reference,Reference Range,Reference Value,Value, Normal,Value, Reference,Values, Normal,Values, Reference
D001732	Bite Force	The force applied by the masticatory muscles in dental occlusion.	Masticatory Force,Occlusal Force,Bite Forces,Force, Bite,Force, Masticatory,Force, Occlusal,Forces, Bite,Forces, Masticatory,Forces, Occlusal,Masticatory Forces,Occlusal Forces
D002138	Calibration	Determination, by measurement or comparison with a standard, of the correct value of each scale reading on a meter or other measuring instrument; or determination of the settings of a control device that correspond to particular values of voltage, current, frequency or other output.	Calibrations
D003766	Dental Occlusion	The relationship of all the components of the masticatory system in normal function. It has special reference to the position and contact of the maxillary and mandibular teeth for the highest efficiency during the excursive movements of the jaw that are essential for mastication. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p556, p472)	Canine Guidance,Occlusal Guidance,Occlusal Plane,Occlusion, Dental,Dental Occlusions,Guidance, Canine,Guidance, Occlusal,Occlusal Guidances,Occlusal Planes,Occlusions, Dental,Plane, Occlusal,Planes, Occlusal
D003799	Dental Stress Analysis	The description and measurement of the various factors that produce physical stress upon dental restorations, prostheses, or appliances, materials associated with them, or the natural oral structures.	Analyses, Dental Stress,Analysis, Dental Stress,Stress Analyses, Dental,Stress Analysis, Dental,Dental Stress Analyses
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man