title: A laser instrument for measuring tooth movements.
abstract: An improved apparatus has been constructed which is based upon the laser reflexion method and is used in a highly accurate direct technique of measuring tooth movement without contact. The possibility of making clinical investigations of tooth movements with the equipment has been investigated by testing its various components. The most critical part of the system is the repositioning of the patient, which has been done with an accuracy of +/- 20 micron. The reflected pattern used during 3 months of experiments was the same. The instrument can be used for measurements down to 50 micron.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003748:Dental Equipment; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014086:Tooth Mobility / Q000473:pathology*; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques