A new method for measuring nocturnal tooth contacts.
A new portable system for measuring nocturnal tooth contacts has been devised. This system was suitable for patients to take home and record tooth contacts by themselves. A micro photo sensor using optical fibres was applied to detect tooth contacts. The sensor and the target were accurately fixed to opposed molars, respectively on the same side, with removable metal attachments. Patients were instructed to set the attachment to their tooth each experimental night. In the present study, data was assembled for four or five nights in three subjects who were free of masticatory pain and dysfunction. Each subject showed an individual tooth contact pattern. It is suggested that this new system is useful and convenient for measuring nocturnal tooth contacts.
First Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
S
S
Yamashita
M
M
Ai
H
H
Mizutani
D000328:Adult; D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D002012:Bruxism / Q000175:diagnosis; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D004867:Equipment Design; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012890:Sleep; D013997:Time Factors