Evaluation and development of digital device for measuring proximal tooth contact tightness

Choi, Woo Jin; Kim, Kyung Hwa; Kim, Jin A; Kang, Dong Wan; Oh, Sang Ho

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The proper contact relation between adjacent teeth in each arch plays an important role in the stability and maintenance of the integrity of the dental arches. Proximal contact has been defined as the area of a tooth that is in close association, connection, or touch with an adjacent tooth in the same arch. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a digital device for measuring the proximal tooth contact tightness by pulling a thin stainless steel strip (2mm wide, 0.03mm thick) inserted between proximal tooth contact. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This device consists of measuring part, sensor part, motor part and body part. The stainless steel strip was connected to a stain gauge. The strain gauge was designed to convert the frictional force into a compressive force. This compressive force was detected as a electrical signal and the electrical signal was digitalized by a A/D converter. The digital signals were displayed by a micro-processor. The pulling speed was 8mm/s.
RESULTS
For testing reliability of the device in vivo, two healthy young adults (A, B) participated in this experiment. The tightness of proximal tooth contact between the second premolar and the first molar of mandible (subject A) and maxilla (subject B) was measured fifteen times for three days at rest. We double-checked the accuracy of the device with a Universal Testing Machine. Output signals from the Universal Testing Machine and the measuring device were compared. Regression analysis showed high linearity between these two signals. In vivo test, no significant differences were found between measurements.
CONCLUSION
This device has shown to be capable of producing reliable and reproducible results in measuring proximal tooth contact. Therefore, it was considered that this device was appropriate to apply clinically.