Optical metrology analysis of the lower jaw deformations

New optical stereometric methods based on both contact and noncontact mechanisms for displacement measurement have become common methods in biomechanical behavior research of biomaterials, bone and soft tissue. The aim of this study was to register and measure possible deformations of the lower jaw (mandible) with the intact dental arch using optical metrology method.

The system for full field measurement of deformations (strains) comprised of two digital cameras for a synchronized stereoview of the specimen, and the Aramis software.

The maximum mandibular bone strains were measured in the regions of the lower first premolar and the lower second molar. In the action force of 500 N simulated in the region of the first lower premolar the intensity of deformation was 86 microm. The value of maximum strain in the bone around the molars was 24 microm for the force of 500 N acting on the second lower molar. When it comes to premolars, 3-5 times stronger deformation was observed in the region of the first lower premolar, compared to the deformation values of the second lower premolar area.

Under loading of the applied forces the measured strains were in the elastic deformation area, meanning that the dependence of force and deformity is linear. The highest values of strain measurements obtained by the optical method were found in the jaw bone tissue around the loading teeth, and the bony regions of the triangle and mental region. According to the obtained results from the Aramis processing software it can be concluded that this method is applicable in a variety of biomedical research.