[Measurement of thermal expansion coefficient of human teeth]

The coefficient of thermal expansion of specimens from 60 freshly extracted sound human teeth was measured by a dilatometer over the range 10-80 degrees C. The coefficient increased rapidly above 50 degrees C, but there was no significant variation with the tooth age between 10 and 70 years. At 10-50 degrees C, the coefficient of thermal expansion was almost constant. The human teeth are usually at this temperature range in oral cavity. The authors suggest that the average values obtained can be used as quotable values.