Kinesiometric instrumentation: a new technology.

A method of monitoring mandibular movements in three dimensions is described whereby a premanent magnet is secured to the mandible, and magnetometers are located relative to the permanent magnet so as to sense changes in the magnetic field which result from mandibular movement. The outputs of the magnetometers are processed electronically to obtain three discrete analog voltages, each directly proportional to a specific distance--vertical, anteroposterior, or lateral--from the magnet to the particular magnetometer. The verticle distance output is differentiated electronically to provide a measurement of acceleration. The Mandibular Kinesiograph provides new capabilities for diagnosis and research in dentistry.