Noninvasive technique to assess strain distribution in a maxillary denture using wireless telemter

ABSTRACT

For most biomedical measuring devices noninvasive techniques are not only favorable but also necessary to monitor the actual function of the investigated organ under realistic conditions. One of the major problems concerning in vivo measurements of mechanical forces distribution over the month cavity is that monitoring these forces as they develop usually interferes with the chewing process itself. In this work we present an implantable electronic device which call be molded in the denture so that it measures the stress distribution on the denture under different conditions. The device is provided with strain gauges that modulate the frequency output, hence the strain can be evaluated remotely while the actual mastication undergoes without interruption. The device is activated externally so that no battery is needed to provide the required power. The data is received and connected to a computer to analyze the stress distribution for more than one location. The results showed the validity of such technique and the implications are discussed