Desenvolvimento de um dinamômetro pivotante para medição de força de mordida

Abstract

Data provided by the measurement of bite force are extremely important in dentistry as a complementary exam to verify oral health conditions, develop new technologies, new materials and establish public health policies, but the existing gnathodynamometers on the market are of high cost for a developing country to use in public health services and dental offices. The objective of this research is the development of a low-cost gnathodynamometer easy to handle and transport. The new device was developed using computer-aided design and had its mechanical behavior evaluated through simulations using the finite element method. The load cell was manufactured in 420 tempered martensitic stainless steel and the device was tested in dentistry students at Arnaldo Jansen College to investigate the effect of articulated tips for the comfort of the tested individual and improved positioning accuracy for operator. Construction costs have been collected. The results show that the pivoting articulated tips showed increased comfort for the tested individual and improvement of positioning conditions for the operator when a bite test was performed in the molar region. There was no statistically significant difference for incisor region tests. Production costs satisfied the premise of building a low-cost device. The data obtained suggest that the articulated tips improve the test conditions for both the tested individual and the operator, the gnathodynamometer was built at low cost and ease of transport and storage of data.