Abstract: A transfer device for use with a dental articulator which includes a plate member and a base member spaced apart from the plate member. The base member is adapted to be received by an articulator. A stem is connected to the plate member and extends between the plate member and the base member. A column extends from a first surface of the base member. The stem is pivotally received in an opening of the column. A retaining block has an opening for receiving the column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to assist in accurate placement of teeth and jaws at orthognathic surgery. A recording of reference planes used prior to surgery to plan desired changes to an original position of teeth and jaws of a patient is made with a teeth indexing member. The teeth indexing member has a horizontal slot and scribe lines indicating the orientation of the reference planes. During surgery, the recording of the reference planes is transferred to the patient by positioning the teeth indexing member onto the patient's teeth. A swivel member is attached to the patient's head by a cranial structure. A port in the swivel member is oriented to the reference planes by inserting a coupling member into the horizontal slot of the teeth indexing member and into the port of the swivel member, aligning the coupling member to the scribe lines on the teeth indexing member, and securing the oriented swivel member in place. The port thereby records the reference planes.

Abstract: In a computer system that includes a Central Processing Unit and an associated input device, storage device and display device, a method for displaying on the display device a virtual three-dimensional (3D) dental model at desired preset views, for orthodontic use. The virtual 3D dental model is stored on the storage device and is indicative of a 3D structure of an individual's dental arches. The method includes the steps of providing a graphic user interface (GUI) that includes a graphic representation of the dental model and a plurality of graphic symbols each representative of a desired pre-set view of the dental model from a desired direction. Selecting through the input device graphic symbol from among the plurality of graphic symbols. Moving the dental model to a pre-set view which corresponds to the graphic symbol, whilst retaining the model in zoom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to assist in accurate placement of teeth and jaws at orthognathic surgery. A recording of reference planes used prior to surgery to plan desired changes to an original position of teeth and jaws of a patient is made with a teeth indexing member. The teeth indexing member has a horizontal slot and scribe lines indicating the orientation of the reference planes. During surgery, the recording of the reference planes is transferred to the patient by positioning the teeth indexing member onto the patient's teeth. A swivel member is attached to the patient's head by a cranial structure. A port in the swivel member is oriented to the reference planes by inserting a coupling member into the horizontal slot of the teeth indexing member and into the port of the swivel member, aligning the coupling member to the scribe lines on the teeth indexing member, and securing the oriented swivel member in place. The port thereby records the reference planes.

Abstract: A face bow assembly including a face bow having a bite fork portion to carry an index trays to be positioned in a patient's mouth. The bow has outwardly extending wings to enable a dentist to support the bow. A vertical indicator rod mounted to the bow helps align the tray horizontally and the indicator rod vertically to the patient's mid-sagittal, while bite impression material on the tray hardens. The upper index tray is then mounted on a platform on a dental articulator. The platform has an incisal line for alignment with an incisal line(s) for adjustability on the upper index tray. The platform also has vertical or horizontal adjustability with a built-in scale.

Abstract: There is provided a metrologic methodology and instrument, useful for a high-spatial-resolution dynamic diagnostic metrology and instrument, which can provide simultaneous measurements of laser-induced frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometry (FD-PTR) and alternating-current (ac) modulated luminescence (FD-LM) signals from defects and caries in teeth intraorally. The combination of the luminescence and radiometric frequency scan techniques for inspection of defects and caries in teeth involves irradiating the tooth with a modulated (direct-current (dc) to 100 kHz) excitation source (laser) emitting in the near-ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared spectral range, generating blackbody Planck-radiation (infrared radiometry) and ac luminescence, and comparing the obtained (amplitude and phase) luminescence and radiometric signals to those obtained from a well characterized sample (reference) to provide the clinician with numerical information on the status of a tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method define a fit a set of upper and lower teeth in a masticatory system of a patient by generating a computer representation of the masticatory system of the patient; and determining an occlusion from the computer representation of the masticatory system using one or more keys.

Abstract: An anatomical transfer bow is made available which consists principally of a central part, with two pivotable side arms connected via a pivot point, of the nasion support with mounting part and nose roll, and of the bite-fork carrier with bite fork. The anatomical transfer bow also has a leveling device for aligning the transfer bow with the interpupillary line.

Abstract: A dental instrument assembly includes a motion-tracking hexapod including a plurality of telescoping members each connected at one end to a first frame and at an opposite end to a second frame and further including a plurality of linear transducers each operatively coupled to a respective one of the telescoping members for generating a signal indicative of a degree of extension of the respective one of the telescoping members. A generally U-shaped bracket is connected to the first frame for mounting the first frame to a row of teeth in a patient's mouth, and a dental instrument or probe is mounted to the second frame. A computer connected to the transducers is connected to other computers via the Internet for enabling dental data exchange.

Abstract: A facial registration tool for use in the fabrication of dental prostheses includes two or more interconnected artificial teeth and a retention means extending posteriorly from the lingual surface of the teeth for attaching the tool to a wax bite rim. In one embodiment the facial registration tool includes simulated upper left and right lateral and central incisors and a retention knob for mounting the tool to a bite rim.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided marking floss including dental floss impregnated with ink. Also provided is an abrasive floss including dental floss impregnated with an abrasive material. A method of marking teeth by running marking floss across the tooth in need of treatment thereby marking the areas in need of treatment is also provided. Also provided is a method of removing material from a tooth by running an abrasive floss across the tooth having excess material. A method of treating teeth by running a marking floss through the contact area in need of treatment, thereby marking areas in need of adjusting and running an abrasive floss through the contact area, thereby further adjusting the tightness of the contact.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a prosthesis to be fixed to a plurality of implants in the jawbone of a patient. The method has as a characteristic feature that by means of at least one camera arranged at the opened mouth of the patient; images of the implants already fixed to the jaw of the patient are recorded from at least two different positions; these images are converted into electrical signals by at least one camera; by means of a photogrammetric method the electrical signals are processed using at least one calculating unit for obtaining positions and orientation information of the implants; and the positions and orientation information is used for the highly accurate manufacture of at least a part of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A simulation method and a computer readable medium therefor visualize in three dimensions the density of a jawbone at an implant area where an implant screw contacts the jawbone using information about the density of the jawbone obtained by computed tomography (CT) and a virtual implant screw. The simulation method includes the steps of forming a three-dimensional image of the jawbone, the image including information about the jawbone density. A color map corresponding to the density distribution of the jawbone is set, and a virtual implant screw is modeled by a plurality of brick elements. Then, the virtual implant screw is inserted into a surgical area of the jawbone image, and values of the jawbone density at the points where each brick element of the virtual implant screw contacts the jawbone, are calculated. Then, colors are searched in the color map corresponding to the density values of the jawbone image near each brick element, and faces of the virtual implant screw are colored.

Abstract: A bite registration appliance includes an upper base plate and a two-piece lower plate, one carrying a tracing stylus and the other carrying a tracing plate, for making a Gothic arch tracing in a patient having natural dentition without interfering with the patient's bite. One embodiment is arranged to fit within the arches, engaging undercut areas of the lingual sides of the arches, the lower plate being formed by two members that are movable laterally about a slot to engage extension wings against the inner sides of the mandible. In the second embodiment, both the maxillary and mandibular plates are two-piece units, each having a pair of arcuate extension arms that clamp around the lingual side of the patient's dental arches. The extension wings or arms in both embodiments fit loosely against a typical patient's archform and then custom fitted to the patient by trimming and molding a self-curing acrylic to the extension wings or arms.

Abstract: Dental apparatus which can determine a patient-specific reference plane so that the patient's teeth can be aesthetically oriented to an aesthetic axis-horizontal reference plane. The apparatus includes a face bow, an adjustable nasion relator assembly, a level gauge and a bite fork. The nasion relator assembly, along with the level gauge, enables the face bow to be moved to a level orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for tracing a centric relation of a mandible including a stylus arranged at a point, where an occlusal plane and a mid-sagittal plane cross a line extending between central fossae of mandibular first molars, and a tracing-plate adapted to be mounted to a maxilla at a region corresponding to the stylus.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus for use in the evaluation, detection, and treatment of humans that suffer from chronic grinding of the teeth known as "bruxing." The apparatus includes a pressure sensor contained in a mouth piece and electronic for detecting activation of the sensor due to bruxing and for generating an human cognizable output in response to bruxing. The apparatus can also include electronics for storing and analyzing human bruxing activities.

Abstract: This invention consists of a method and apparatus which establish specific central and vertical dimensions and positions for patterns for the making of dentures which will provide a natural occlusion upon replacement of natural teeth.

Abstract: A method for determining muscle strength of elements of the musculature used in speech and swallowing. In particular, a tool is equipped with at least one pressure sensor. A person inserts the tool into the person's mouth and utters sounds of speech or swallows. While uttering sounds of speech or swallowing, portions of the oral musculature contact and exert force on the sensor. A representation of this force is displayed at a visual display device as an indication of muscle strength and position.

Abstract: A bruxism monitoring device comprising a thin shell formed to the shape of and elastically retained to one or more teeth, said shell further comprising: a plurality of layers having mutually distinguishable colors, each color distinguishable from the colors of adjacent layers; and a material thickness that is greater anteriorly than posteriorly. The outer layer of the shell, when worn away by grinding action, reveals an inner layer. The regions of wear may be analyzed to determine the extent of the bruxing activity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a prosthesis to be fixed to implants in the jawbone of a patient. The method has as a characteristic feature that by means of at least one camera arranged at the opened mouth of the patient, images of the implants already fixed to the jaw of the patient are recorded from at least two different positions; these images are converted into electrical signals; by means of a photogrammetric method the electrical signals are processed using at least one calculating unit for obtaining position and orientation information of the implants; and the position and orientation information is used for the highly accurate manufacture of at least a part of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Special tools and materials are provided For the fitting and placement of artificial crowns and inlays in a patient's mouth. One version of the kit comprises test ribbons, ribbon gripping forceps, crown gripping forceps, a crown placement tool, an adhesive dispenser, expendable adhesive, an adhesive dispenser stand, an inlay/veneer placement tool, and a number of plastic or metal shims.The inlay placement tool is fitted with hot-melt adhesive on its tip for fixed attachment of an inlay or veneer for placement in the mouth. The crown placement tool is adhered with hot melt adhesive to the biting surface of a posterior crown to be used as a crown placing device.The ribbon forceps is used to grip a thin precut test ribbon and hold the ribbon in the patient's mouth vertically on either the front or back side of an artificial crown being placed.

Abstract: This invention consists of a method and apparatus for making patterns which establish the specific vertical dimensions and positions for patterns for the making of dentures which will provide a natural occlusion upon replacement of natural teeth.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an instrument for measuring the tightness between a first and a second contiguous bodies, the first body being movable with relation to the second body, comprising: (a) a substantially incompressible insertion element of predetermined thickness for insertion between the first and second bodies; (b) a holder for holding the insertion element to enable the insertion element to be forcibly inserted between the first and second bodies, thereby displacing the first body with relation to the second body, thereby providing a predetermined forced distance between the first and second bodies; and (c) a sensor for sensing the insertion force applied when inserting the insertion element between the first and second bodies along a predetermined path of insertion.

Abstract: A periodontal examination data recording and recall method and apparatus. The periodontal examination method includes obtaining an automated periodontal examination data recording and recall apparatus having at least one pre-programmed mode of operation whereby periodontal examination data is entered in a predetermined sequence, performing the periodontal examination and collecting the periodontal examination data, entering the periodontal examination data into the periodontal examination apparatus, the periodontal examination data obtained through the periodontal examination performed in a predetermined sequence, and storing the periodontal examination data for future use, including review and display. The periodontal examination apparatus includes a keypad input device, an LCD, a main controller, an attachment device for securing the apparatus to the examiner's arm or other portion of the armamentarium, and is provided with at least one automatic input sequence.

Abstract: A face bow for receiving and transferring a model jaw to a jaw articulator in the correct spacial orientation relative to a patient's skull and jaw hinge axis. The face bow has a curved transfer member for surrounding a patient's face and a guide column releasably secured to the transfer member for carrying an adjustable bite fork. The transfer member has an elongate, centering groove and the guide column has an adjusting projection which is perpendicular to the guide column for engagement in the centering groove.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for making a dental set-up model utilizable in the practice of orthodontics and, more particularly, to facilitation of making the dental set-up model. The shape of an impression which is a replica of dental teeth and dental alveolar ridges of a patient is first converted on a non-contact basis into electronic data by means of a three-dimensional profile analyzer utilizing an irradiation beam. Using this electronic data and within the framework of such electronic data, representative plane defined by anatomically proximal contact points A1, anatomically distal contact points A2 and an intermediate point E between the bucco-cervical point B1 and the lingo-cervical point B2 are formed by cutting out the individual teeth.

Abstract: Repeat fixation for medical procedures is accomplished using a non-invasive locator, specifically a bite plate. The bite plate has at least three fiducial markers on it. The fiducial markers may be LEDs, radiopaque markers for angiography or computerized tomography (CT) imaging or magnetic resonance markers for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. By detecting the position of the markers, the position of features within the patient (such as a brain tumor or other intracranial target to which radiation is to be applied) can be determined with great precision. Since the bite plate has been molded to uniquely fit to the patient's teeth, it may be removed after an initial imaging of the patient. The bite plate may then be re-attached one or more times to the teeth and the location of the features will be in a known position relative to the sensed markers.

Abstract: In a measuring technique used to restore a tooth with an employment of an implant structure, it is desirable to precisely determine the direction and position of bonding points in which a prosthesis is attached to the implant structure at the time of curing the tooth by of the implant structure. Upon precisely measuring the direction and position of bonding points in which a prosthesis is attached to the implant structure, measurement points are provided with the bonding points, and are taken a picture by a camera. In the picture thus taken, shape and position of the measurement points are measured by an image processor device by way of illustration so as to measure the positional relationship of the bonding points of the implant structure which is embedded in a human jaw.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive recording sheet, comprising: a synthetic resin support sheet; a color developer layer coated on one face of the support sheet; a color former layer overcoated on the color developer layer and containing a microcapsulated color former; a first water-impermeable layer adhering on the other face of the support sheet through an adhesive; and a transparent second water-impermeable layer covering directly over the color former layer; and wherein the outer peripheries of the first and second water-impermeable layers are liquid-tightly closed to protect the support sheet, the color developer layer and the color former layer from attack by any aqueous liquid. The pressure-sensitive recording sheet or the support sheet is shaped to have a horseshoe-like contour to be used as an occlusion pressure detecting sheet. A wax coating layer may be provided on at least one surface of the occlusion pressure detecting sheet to record the dental arch pattern.

Abstract: Process for modelling cranio-facial architecture on the basis of a lateral cephalometric X-ray by determining bony points and plotting analysis lines, measuring the angles and comparing them with thresholds and measuring the lengths and comparing the lengths with one another.

Abstract: A method for cephalometric evaluation includes steps of generating radiographic, X-ray or other image of a patient's individual orthodontic structure, positioning this image in alignment with a graphical depiction of a norm value orthodontic structure, and comparing the individual's structure to the norm value structure to analyze development and to determine a course of orthodontic or other treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a cephalometric tracing directly from a patient by directly generating digitized two- or three-dimensional data from the patient's head to define locations of preselected landmarks thereon from which diagnostic data points required for the cephalometric tracing are computer generated and connected so as to produce a cephalometric tracing. A video recording of the patient's head corresponding to the spatial orientation of the cephalometric tracing at the time of the generation of the data is made, reproduced in visible form to the same scale as the cephalometric tracing and superimposed on the tracing on a video monitor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis, wherein the shape of the prepared part of the teeth in question is established by scanning at least a part of the teeth, or a replica thereof, by means of a three-dimensional scanner. In order to be able to determine the desired shape of the prosthesis, it is not only necessary to know the shape of the part of the teeth in question, but also the circumferential edge of the preparation, i.e. the part of the teeth that has been prepared for receiving the dental prosthesis. The preparation line is made visible for the scanner by providing the teeth at one side of this preparation line with a coating which the scanner is capable of recognizing.

Abstract: For static fixation of the jaw relation in intraoral recording, a recording instrument set is used that includes a pin holder with a vertically adjustable stylus for placement in one jaw, and a writing or recording plate with an alignment clamp mounted on it for placement in the other jaw. The stylus, initially vertically locked on the pin holder, can be locked in stationary fashion in the ascertained jaw relation in the alignment clamp. By means of this locking, the jaw relation is keyed, and the use of hardenable material such as molding plaster previously used for this purpose can be dispensed with. This dental treatment process can thus be done in less time and with less material, and once the jaw relation has been keyed it is retained reliably until further processing in the dental laboratory. This locking can be attained particularly advantageously if a pan bearing that receives the lower end of the stylus, embodied as a writing ball, is provided in the alignment clamp.

Abstract: A characteristic of optimal facial harmony is a correlation of the A/P (Anterior/Posterior) position of the maxillary incisors with the forehead. When the forehead is canted about 7 degrees or less, the A/P position of the maxillary incisors should match that of the middle of the forehead. For every degree the forehead is canted more than 7 degrees, the A/P position of the maxillary incisors should be 0.6 millimeters more anterior than the middle of the forehead. The extent to which the A/P position of the maxillary incisors is forward or back of the forehead's midpoint can be judged in millimeters quite accurately by viewing a patient in profile with the patient's forehead and maxillary incisors fully bared. Once the linear decision is made then the A/P treatment goal position can be physically measured and recorded using a novel bite fork (58), an improved facebow (56), and a new piece of equipment called a verticalizer (60).

Abstract: A model of a maxilla is marked with the location of the patient's lip line and with the location of the patient's ear-nose plane. Then the incisor portion of the model is shaped to have a lower edge lying on the location of the lip line. A calibration plate having a posterior ridge engaging the tuberosity portion of the model, an anterior part engaging the shaped incisor portion of the model, and sides formed with slots aligned with the molar portions of the model is then positioned on the model. The plate extends substantially parallel to the ear-nose plane from shaped front of the model. The slots are filled around the molar portions of the model with wax and a mold fork is fitted flat to the underside of the calibration plate underneath the slots with the compound adhering to the mold fork. Thereafter the fork and the compound are separated from the plate and model and are fitted to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for registration of the dental bite of a patient. An impression plate is provided for insertion into the patient's mouth and incorporates an upper incisor engagement means and an extension protruding out of the patient's mouth. An independent lower incisor engagement means is provided with an extension which is complementary to the upper incisor extension, wherein a groove in the lower extension mates with the upper extension which slides freely therein. Protrusion and retrusion of the lower jaw with respect to the upper jaw causes an anterposterior sliding movement of the lower extension with respect to the upper extension. Calibrations are provided on the extensions for measuring the relative movement therebetween. A lock is provided between the extensions to hold the extensions at a given calibration for registering the bite at that calibration.

Abstract: A dental impression tray or bite registration tray or the like is provided with a level indicator to indicate patient bite angle. When the impression tray or the like is placed into the mouth of a patient, the level indicator provides an accurate indication of patient bits angle, particularly with respect to deviations from a horizontal plane. This bite angle information can be used subsequently in dental laboratory procedures to accommodate the specific bite angle in the formation of a dental prosthesis or the like, thereby achieving a more accurate prosthesis fit.

Abstract: A training device for therapeutically exercising a protruding mandible of an edentulous individual to reposition the same to an optimal position. The training device is part of a total system for fitting an edentulous individual with dentures that includes first repositioning the mandible to its optimal position using the training device, and then maintaining the repositioned mandible in place using dentures having a concave masticating surface and a ridge along one edge of the masticating surface.

Abstract: A dental system for determining optimal orthodontic appliance prescription prior to initiation and implementation of orthodontic treatment. The system provides for measuring the pre-treatment anatomically occurring tooth positions of plaster replicas of the teeth, repositioning of such teeth to their ideal post-orthodontic treatment location in the dental occlusion, and measuring the post-treatment tooth position in order to provide for a correctly individualized orthodontic appliance prescription.

Abstract: A device for determining an occlusal plane for making dental prostheses includes two horizontally pivotable members arranged to be brought in alignment with an ear-nose plane, and a further member vertically displaceable relative to the first mentioned members parallel to the latter to be brought in contact with plastic material on a base applied to an occlusal surface of remaining teeth or its equivalent.

Abstract: A method for constructing dentures which completely accommodate a patient's mandibular movements is provided. The method includes the steps of mounting a three dimensional recording device to the patient's jaws and forming intra-oral tracings of the patient's mandibular excursions and a Gothic arch tracing of the patient's mandibular excursions. The recordings and the tracing are utilized to mount upper and lower denture bases in a dental articulator, which also forms a part of the present invention, and to calibrate the articulator to precisely duplicate the patient's mandibular movements. Teeth are mounted on the upper and lower denture bases and ground to provide dentures which completely accommodate the patient's mandibular movements.

Abstract: A device for determining optimum jaws position when full denture is prepared, comprising a height adjustable means to be inserted between upper and lower jaws and a means for detecting and indicating biting pressure applied on the height adjustable means. User of the device, e.g. a denter, can precisely determine the optimum jaws position by detecting a position where the maximum biting pressure is obtained by means of the device.

Abstract: A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The sensor is especially useful for measuring dental occlusion. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed on a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are separated by a thin, pressure-sensitive resistive coating such as molydenum disulphide. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. Several arrangements of resistive coating over electrodes as disclosed. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes. The resistance between electrode intersections changes as pressure on opposite sides of the intersection changes.

Abstract: A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed of a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are coated with a thin, resistive coating. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. The resistive coatings may be made from conventional resisitive inks and are optionally separated by a separation material, such as talcum or mesh. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes.

Abstract: A strip of stiff paper is wrapped around the edge of a dental cast mounting plate of a dental articulator toserve as a dam for confining moist plaster used for mounting a dental cast to the plate. After the plaster has hardened, the strip may be readily removed, leaving a clean, easily observable edge between the plaster and the plate, which is very helpful in the use of interchangeable plates with dental casts as well as use with the dental "split-cast" mounting plate technique.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the three-dimensional position and attitude of upper and lower clutches attached on patient's maxillary and mandibular teeth for computerized measurement of the mandibular movements necessary for the fabrication of dental prostheses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a part of a sphere that is fixed to the mandible and which is marked with a reference line and a part of another sphere of substantially the same radius as that of the above sphere, which is fixed to the maxilla and which is also marked with a reference line. The surfaces of the two spheres are caused to slide against each other, with their centers being in alignment, thereby achieving the measurement of the relative attitude of the two spheres.

Abstract: A system useful for recording or providing information concerning the optimal esthetic position and angulation of the anterior teeth of a dental patient during restoration of teeth with crowns or the construction of dental prostheses, the system utilizes five principal components:a multi purpose positioning face bow including curved side arms adjustably interconnected by a linakage device for suspension from the ears of a patient with the linkage device and an associated bracket positioned below mouth level,the bracket adapted to support either, an adjustable transparent screen in a substantially vertical plane and positioned relative to a patient's mouth to obtain a transferable prescription of the position and angulation of anterior teeth for use on an articulator in another place, or a bite fork jig providing support for a interchangeable and invertible bite fork and an adjustable nose pointer, or a camera positioning frame for mounting a camera in fixed and constant relationship with the patient's anterio

Abstract: Strips are prepared from a stack of two superposed metallized polymer films, each film having piezoelectric properties. The stack is coated with a conventional plastically deformable wax impression material to provide the normal visual indication of bite deflection and premature teeth engagement. The stack of metallized polymer films provides means through which sliding bite forces exerted during occlusal analysis may be monitored and recorded.