College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-06 08:14:37
Major
Biomedical Science
Honors Course
3100:499
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2023
Abstract
Biting is one of the primary physical actions against a food substrate involved in the process of mastication and consumption. Different shapes of solidified tissue (e.g., teeth, mandibles) are developed based on dietary preferences of the organism to improve mechanical function. Models of various geometric shapes were used to loosely replicate several common biological tooth structures. As there is little research conducted on tooth penetration force in relation to tooth shape, collection of such data was the main focus of the research. Molariform teeth found in herbivores were represented by the ball model, carnivorous needle-like teeth by cone model, cutting teeth by the single blade, and thick serrated denticulation of canines by the jagged model. The question of average tooth penetration force in relation to each subclade was addressed using both a bite force rig to obtain quantitative data, as well as incorporating photoelasticity to provide supporting qualitative evidence of induced stress. Four test subjects were chosen (one model representing each tooth structure) with five trials for each subject to confirm accuracy. Orientation was then altered by testing retrognathism (overbite) and prognathism (underbite) malocclusions using a top jaw ± 10% along the x and y axis from the standard 100%. Results supported the hypothesis of decreased bite force required for acute and sharp teeth. However, results contradicted initial hypothesis of increased bite force for malocclusions.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Henry Astley
First Reader
Dr. Rachel Olson
Second Reader
Dr. Robert Joel Duff
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Brian Bagatto
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Newenhisen, Emily, "Bite Force and Stress Content of Varying Tooth Morphology and Jaw Alignment" (2023). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1662.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1662
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