Energy-based evaluation of occlusion

The purpose of this study was to establish an index for evaluating occlusal conditions using energy levels. For this purpose, first, the movement of m astication under five occlusal conditions in which the positional relations hip varied mesio-distally was simulated and the energy applied to the food being masticated was calculated, based on theoretical values of computing m echanics using finite element static analysis. As a model experiment, the e nergy generated under each occlusal condition was then measured using the e lectrical output from an occlusion pressure sensor composed of pressure-sen sitive rubber. By comparing the theoretical values of computing mechanics a nd the measured values, the changes in the energy level under occlusal cond itions were consistent with the trends, and the maximum value of the energy was obtained under the occlusal condition of Angle Class I and consisting of rigid interdigitation. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that occl usal conditions can be evaluated using the energy level as an index.