Dental wear testing with the orthogonal mastication stage is a mechanical simulation mimicking the chewing motion occurring during food grinding, or the crushing of food between two rows of teeth. Our test engineers are familiar with the orthogonal mastication stage and can guide you through the testing process with our specially configured Dental Wear Electrodynamic Fatigue Test System with the Orthogonal Mastication Stage.
Why perform mastication and enamel wear testing?
Dental wear testing with the mastication stage is performed for a number of reasons. Researchers may be interested in the effects of chewing behavior on surrounding tissue or pain (myofascial pain syndrome), some may be looking for the effect of fracture resistance on various dental replacement appliances and material resins used in repair, or are likely comparing the various wear results between different materials. Common materials tested are cobalt-chromium metal crowns, porcelain, alloy of metals (gold, copper), silver amalgam, and stainless steel.
The purpose of mastication testing is to essentially determine the break-down of bond between the new material and tooth, and the original enamel or material to dentin. This information is shown in fatigue life conducted by a dental wear fatigue test machine.
Choosing a fatigue test machine for wear testing with the orthogonal mastication stage
The mastication test requires specific synchronous motion between vertical and horizontal actuators. These complicated movements necessitate a double axis fatigue testing system. We offer the 800L Dental Wear Electrodynamic Fatigue Test System with the Orthogonal Mastication Stage. This double axis testing system can fit both the static and fatigue dental wear testing requirements.
The 800L is a predictable, easy to control actuator with a cost conscious approach to fatigue testing. Maintenance of electrodynamic solutions are minimal in comparison to traditional servo hydraulic fatigue solutions and have well behaved, yet responsive acceleration performance suitable for dental fatigue, mastication, or static measurement applications needed for high quality and repetitive motion simulation.
If you do not need to do mastication testing right now but are considering it for the future, we have made it possible that mastication can be added to most axial test systems offered in our 800L family line of test equipment. This allows your test equipment to expand as needs grow beyond pure axial loading.
Controller and software for the orthogonal mastication stage
Our 800L Dental Wear Electrodynamic Fatigue Test System with the Orthogonal Mastication Stage has a controller capable of guiding both axes in synchronous motion to replicate the mastication stage. The system is configured to adjust to various force loads, or follow the profile of the tooth, during extended wear and correct for changes in specimen stiffness. The system’s custom software code will lift off the surface of tooth during cycle and return into contact with the proper mode switch from load to displacement. The machine learns and repeats motion even with irregular occlusive shape of tooth. We can also configure the system fit with a potting cup, round cup, or probe depending on your chosen samples.
Our engineers can help you through the testing process with the best system for your dental wear testing needs, just give us a call today!
