Chewing Simulator for Wear

Wear resistance of dental materials

The three phases  of chewing (mastication) have been identified as the preparatory phase, the crushing phase and finally a gliding (grinding) phase.  The simulation of the masticatory cycle can be used to evaluate the wear properties of dental biomaterials and/or restoration techniques.  In addition, combined loading can be used to research the impact of accumulated damage on dental ceramics and assess the effectiveness of sealants or enamel replacements in the laboratory. (Delong, et. al. 1985; Sakaguchi, et. Al. 1986; and Krejc et. al. 1990).

The ElectroForce® dental wear simulator can be used to simulate the two-body wear that occurs between opposing teeth during chewing.  Each of the identified phases operate under different system control modes. The preparatory and crushing phases (vertical motion) are accomplished with a combination of displacement and load control while the gliding phase (horizontal motion) is carried out in displacement control as defined by the tooth anatomy.

Key Testing Performance Benefits