Work

Reliability of a new bite force device for measuring occlusal bite force in healthy dentate subjects

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bite force is a key indicator of masticatory function and oral health. While the GM-10 device is widely used for assessing bite force, its cost and complexity limit its routine clinical use. The Oramo-bf, a newer portable sensor, offers a more accessible alternative; however, it lacks validation against established systems. OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity and reliability of the Oramo-bf device compared to the GM-10 transducer in measuring bite force among healthy adults. METHODS: Twelve healthy, fully dentate adults (mean age 24.4 ± 3.9 years; 10 females) underwent bite force testing using both the GM-10 (strain-gauge) and Oramo-bf (capacitive) devices. Each participant performed three maximal voluntary bites per device, with standardized positioning and rest intervals. Mean values were computed per device and side. Paired t-tests, Pearson correlation, repeated-measures ANOVA, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess differences, consistency, and reliability. A Bland-Altman analysis was used to examine the agreement between the devices. RESULTS: Oramo-bf recorded significantly higher bite force values than GM-10 (mean difference = 221.8 N, p = 0.003), with poor correlation between devices (r = 0.255, p = 0.424). Test-retest reliability was excellent for Oramo-bf (ICC = 0.936) and moderate for GM-10 (ICC = 0.698). No significant intra-device variability was observed across repeated trials for either device (Oramo-bf: p = 0.711; GM-10: p = 0.118). The GM-10 exhibited greater within-subject variability. Bland-Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement and a systematic bias, with GM-10 underestimating bite force relative to Oramo-bf. CONCLUSION: Oramo-bf demonstrates excellent reliability and usability for bite force assessment but shows limited agreement with the GM-10. Further research is needed to evaluate sensor-specific performance and clinical applicability before substituting standard transducers in practice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oramo-bf device showed higher reliability compared to GM-10. However, the poor agreement and systematic bias between GM-10 and Oramo-bf suggest that the two devices with different sensor technologies differ significantly in their ability to accurately assess the bite force of dentate subjects.

Source: Journal of Dentistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106161

Authors: Qareen Fatima Hashmi, Charlotte Rinderknecht, Claudio Rodrigues Leles, Murali Srinivasan

Institutions: University of Zurich, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Chulalongkorn University

Language: English

Topic: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,160