Measuring masticatory forces with strain gages

This article deals with the forces involved in the chewing action in humans.

Dental bridges, designed as bending elements using strain gages, were mounted first in a model and then in the lower jaws of patients to obtain the variation of masticatory force with time for the mastication of various types of food. The authors describe the force measuring elements, the calibration of the complete measurement system and the on-line evaluation of the results using a personal computer connected through an interface to the measuring amplifier.