Effect of sample thickness on bite force studied with a multiple-point sheet sensor.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thickness of sample food and bite force. We designed a new sensor that can detect the pressure distribution between the incisor and molar teeth on one side, and the contact area between the food samples and the teeth. The force and contact area were directly measured in real time using the multiple-point sheet sensor, which is a very thin and flexible pressure-sensing device. Silicone rubber blocks were used as a sample food and were chewed with incisors and molars by 10 healthy women. The peak force, contact area, duration and impulse were greater between the incisors for a thicker specimen. The active pressure, defined as the ratio of the force to contact area, at peak was similar for different thicknesses. In contrast, with a 2 mm thick sample, the peak force and force related parameters were greatest in molar chewing. The force, contact area and duration were greater for molar chewing cycles than incisor ones. We verified that the thickness of samples influenced the chewing force of humans and the effects differed between incisors and molars.