An optical system for measuring inclination and area of occlusal facets.

Occlusal facets are regarded as an individual record of occlusal contacts that result from various mandibular movements. Analysing characteristics of the facets is important for the functional assessment of the stomatognathic system. A new system which quantifies such characteristics optically has been developed. This system is composed of optical devices, a graphic image-processor, a set of stages for mounting and positioning the model and laser indicators of the measuring point. The system enables the inclination and area of each facet and its location to be measured and its processed image displayed on the graphic monitor.