A prototype system for acquisition and analysis of 3D mandibular movement

This paper presents the development of a new prototype system for acquisition and analysis of the 3D mandibular movement. In Dental Medicine, the study of the mandibular movement is very important in oral rehabilitation treatments, since it allows the diagnosis of clinical pathologies in the temporomandibular joints and therefore, it helps medical doctors to select the most adequate treatment plan and its future assessment. In this work, a facial arc, commonly used in Dental Medicine, was adapted to incorporate electromagnetic sensors to measure the movement of the mandible. Thus, some parts of the arc were redesigned, in order to ensure the best comfort for patients, and a compatible support for the sensors were designed. A complete new user interface was also developed to display and analyse the 3D movement acquired. This software integrates a neural network algorithm to accomplish the conversion of the output voltage of the electromagnetic sensors employed into 3D cartesian coordinates. The prototype developed reveals to be easy to use, comfortable for patients and capable of being produce at an affordable price.