[The determination of human mandibular deformations by using optical holography]

A scheme of holographic investigation in counter-current bundles was used to study mandibular deformations in functional exercise. He-Ne laser LGN-215, generating was used as a source of light. To record the holographic interferograms, high-resolution plates of the PFG-03 type were employed, fixed directly on the object. The findings evidence that in contractions of the anterior and posterior masticatory muscles the mandible is exposed to deformation in the horizontal and frontal planes, most marked near the teeth and alveolar process. The deformation near the angle is more marked than in the chin area.