Study of the chewing assistance mechanism in powered robotic dentures

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop powered robotic dentures for elderly people without disabilities to assist them with chewing and swallowing. As the first step, a prototype mechanism was developed to realize the two functions of a molar tooth i.e., crushing and grinding. The results of the measurements of chewing values of the prototype, while showing a decreasing trend in crushing by impact, suggested that chewing is more effective with a combination of rotation and occlusal grooves. Moreover, the use of an ultrasonic motor as a driving actuator in the powered robotic denture was also studied.