Novel Self-powered Flexible Thin Bite Force Sensor with Electret and Dielectric Elastomer

Abstract

Monitoring the bite force is valuable in the treatment of bruxism, an unconscious oral habit. Conventional bite force sensors used in clinical practice are unsuitable for wearable bite force measurement systems because of their size and measurement principles. In this study, a selfpowered bite force sensor composed of an electret and a dielectric elastomer is proposed to realize a mouthguard-type wearable bite force measurement system. A theoretical model of the sensor was constructed to compensate for the nonlinearity between the applied bite force and sensor output voltage. A fabricated large-scale prototype sensor and theoretical model accurately estimated an applied force of up to 50 N. The proposed sensor is expected to realize a selfpowered bite force monitoring system by making it thin and embedding it in a mouthguard.

Edible Bite Force Sensor: A Novel Approach to Measuring Bite Force in Biomedical and Dental Applications

“…The development of wireless bite force measurement devices allows for more accurate and quantitative measurement methods, helping dentists find effective strategies for treating occlusal diseases [6]. Additionally, wearable bite force measurement systems, such as mouthguardtype sensors, provide valuable monitoring of bite force in conditions like bruxism [7]. Furthermore, the use of electrochemical sensing technology in bite force detection allows for non-invasive and speedy diagnosis of common oral diseases [8][9][10].…”

“…These devices utilize load cells (transducers) to convert force into electrical energy, and they can measure a wide range of forces (50-800 N), with an accuracy of 10 N and a precision of 80% [14]. Advancements in sensor technologies have paved the way for development of more sophisticated and reliable bite force sensors that provide quantitative data on the magnitude and distribution of forces during biting and enable precise evaluation and diagnosis of various orofacial conditions [6,7,[15][16][17]. The use of wireless bite force measurement devices with stress sensor systems has shown promise in diagnosing and treating occlusal diseases [6].…”