Smart Bracket for Multi-dimensional Force and Moment Measurement

Note: You will need to copy and paste the URL in a browser window to view the abstract online. A subscription is required to view the full text or it can be purchased online.

http://jdr.iadrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/1/73?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=orthodontics&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT

Smart Bracket for Multi-dimensional Force and Moment Measurement
Journal of Dental Research 86(1):73-78, 2007

B.G. Lapatki1,*, J. Bartholomeyczik2, P. Ruther2, I.E. Jonas1, and O. Paul2
1 Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg i.Br., Germany; and
2 Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Germany

* corresponding author, bernd.lapatki@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Atraumatic, well-directed, and efficient tooth movement is interrelated with the therapeutic application of adequately dimensioned forces and moments in all three dimensions. The lack of appropriate monitoring tools inspired the development of an orthodontic bracket with an integrated microelectronic chip equipped with multiple piezoresistive stress sensors. Such a Îsmart bracketÌ was constructed (scale of 2.5:1) and calibrated. To evaluate how accurately the integrated sensor system allowed for the quantitative determination of three-dimensional force-moment systems externally applied to the bracket, we exerted 396 different force-moment combinations with dimensions within usual therapeutic ranges (± 1.5 N and ± 15 Nmm). Comparison between the externally applied force-moment components and those reconstructed on the basis of the stress sensor signals revealed very good agreement, with standard deviations in the differences of 0.037 N and 0.985 Nmm, respectively. We conclude that our methodological approach is generally suitable for monitoring the relatively low forces and moments exerted on individual teeth with fixed orthodontic appliances.


KEY WORDS: smart bracket Ô intelligent bracket Ô force control Ô fixed appliance Ô microsensor

© 2007 International and American Associations for Dental Research
Comments: 0
Votes:0