Evaluation of Bite Force Measurements Using Sensor-Based Systems: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital occlusal analysis systems are increasingly used to assess bite force. However, these systems have not been adequately evaluated. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate bite force recordings obtained with a digital bite force device (Innobyte), a digital occlusal analysis system (T-Scan) and a miniature, strain gauge, bite force sensor to assess absolute and relative bite force distribution. METHODS: Twenty-three healthy adults participated. Dental status, functional units, Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20) and Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) were recorded. Bite force was investigated with Innobyte, T-Scan and a miniature bite force device. Absolute bite force was measured with Innobyte and the miniature bite force sensor and their association was analysed using Pearson correlation. Relative bite force was assessed for all three devices, and the agreement was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Absolute bite force recorded by Innobyte correlated significantly with the miniature bite force sensor (r = 0.73, R2 = 0.53, p < 0.001). Participants with < 10 functional units exhibited markedly reduced bite force values with both devices. Regarding relative bite force, Innobyte and miniature bite force device demonstrated high correlation and agreement in relative occlusal force distribution, whereas lower agreement was observed in comparisons involving T-Scan. CONCLUSIONS: Innobyte and the miniature bite force sensor demonstrated high correlation and agreement in bite force measurements, whereas T-Scan showed greater variability in relative occlusal force distribution. Device-specific differences should be considered when interpreting digital occlusal force measurements in clinical practice.