Chewing Analysis by Means of Electromagnetic Articulography: Current Developments and New Possibilities

Chewing is a complex procedure that involves sensory feedback and motor impulses controlled by the trigeminal system in the brainstem. The analysis of mandibular movement is a first approximation to understanding these mechanisms. Several recording methods have been tested to achieve this. Video, ultrasound, the use of external markers and kinesiographs are examples of recording systems used in research. Electromagnetic articulography is an alternative method to those previously mentioned. It consists of the use of electromagnetic fields and receiver coils. The receiver coils are placed on the points of interest and the 3D coordinates of movement are saved in binary files. In the Oral Physiology Laboratory of the Dental Sciences Research Center (Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Odontológicas-CICO), in the Faculty of Dentistry at the Universidad de La Frontera (Temuco, Chile) several research studies have been carried out using the AG501 3D EMA articulograph (Carstens Medizinelektronik, Lenglern, Germany). With this device, they developed a series of protocols to record mandibular movement and obtain new information, such as the 3D Posselt polygon, the area of each polygon, individualized masticatory cycles and speed and acceleration profiles. Other investigations have analyzed these parameters, but separately. The AG501 allows for holistic analysis of all these data without altering natural movement. A limitation of this technology is the interference generated by its metallic elements. The aim of the present work is to show the developed methods used to record mandibular movement in the CICO, using the AG501 and compare them with others used in several research studies.