Evaluation of Denture Function of Elderly Denture Wearers by Using System for Measurement and Analysis of Biting Force and Pressure Distribution

评估老年义齿患者的义齿功能是非常重要的。为了进行这项研究，我们开发了一个计算义齿咬合力和压力分布的系统。该系统由肌电计、力传感器、压力传感器、动态应变放大器和计算机数据分析系统等组成。同时记录3例全口义齿患者的咬合力、肌电图和压力分布，并应用该系统进行分析。左右颞前肌和咬肌的肌电图由四个电极引导。采用7个压力传感器分别固定在复配下颌义齿基面，测量其对支撑组织的压力分布。在对全口义齿进行咬合调整前，认为其具有分散压力分布的作用。综合肌电的咬合力较低。然而，调整咬合后显示压力分布相反。咬合力也较高。通过牙合调整的进行，发现全口义齿佩戴者的负荷支撑能力和咬合力有所提高。与旧义齿相比，老年患者的新义齿咬合力高，压力分布良好。

It is very important to evaluate the denture function of elderly denture patient. In order to perform for this study, we have developed a system of the calculating the biting force and the pressure distribution under the denture.This system consists of many components which have an electromyograph, a force transducer, a pressure sensor, a dynamic strain amplifier and computerized data analysis system.The biting forces, electromyograms and pressure distributions in three complete denture patients were recorded simultaneously and were analyzed by using this system.Electromyograms of the right and left anterior temporal and masseter muscles were led by four electrodes.Pressure distribution on supporting tissue were measured by seven pressure transducer attached to the basal surface of the duplicated mandibular denture.Before occlusal adjustment of the complete denture, it was recognized to disperse pressure distribution. The biting force from intergrated EMG were low degree.However, after occlusal adjustment it was indicated to converse pressure distribution. The biting force was also high degree.By proceeding of the occlusal adjustment, it was acknowledged that load supporting capacity and biting force in complete denture wearers had increased.Compared with old denture, new denture in an elderly patient showed high biting force and displayed adequate distribution of pressure.