A pressure-distribution sensor (PDS) for evaluation of lip functions

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Sensor Technology
• Oral Physiology

Background:

• Assessing lip function is crucial for diagnosing and treating various conditions.
• Existing methods for evaluating lip function may lack precision or comprehensive data.
• Objective measurement of lip sealing forces and pressure distribution is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel pressure-distribution sensor (PDS) for objective lip function assessment.
• To investigate the PDS's capability in measuring lip sealing forces, contact area, and pressure patterns.
• To evaluate the PDS for use in subjects with specific facial morphologies, such as long faces with large interlabial distances.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a disposable cartridge-based PDS utilizing optical-pressure conversion principles.
• Testing the PDS on subjects with long-face morphology and significant interlabial distances.
• Measuring lip sealing forces, contact area, and pressure-distribution patterns at maximum lip effort.

Main Results:

• The developed PDS successfully measured lip sealing forces and pressure-distribution patterns.
• The sensor demonstrated utility in evaluating individuals with large interlabial distances.
• The PDS provided detailed pressure distribution data during maximal lip effort.

Conclusions:

• The pressure-distribution sensor (PDS) is a valuable tool for quantifying lip sealing function.
• The PDS can effectively assess lip function and monitor changes post-orthodontic or orthognathic interventions.
• This sensor offers a promising approach for objective lip function evaluation in clinical and research settings.