Realtime mandibular motion analysis-recent developments

The authors have developed a real-time mandibular motion analysis system. A nonrestraining extraoral harness carries a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), whose movements are detected by photodiode detectors interfaced to a personal computer. Mandibular motions are computed rigorously in three dimensions. Movements at various points on the mandible are displayed on a graphics monitor. The system will find application in the characterization of temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disfunction and in the determination of changes in functional jaw movements after orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. Recent developments have included an increase in accuracy, a hardware upgrade for greater data analysis speed, and the addition of a free-hand pointer for the identification of anatomic features of interest to the user.<>