[Evaluation of masticatory efficiency and the analysis of occlusal pattern factors using computer image processing method].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the newly developed computer-assisted image processing method. We applied this method for the evaluation of masticatory efficiency and the analysis of occlusal pattern factors: the number and the size of occlusal contact areas, the number of and the size of the projected facets. We compared this new method with our conventional one which is the simplified particle counting method using a sieve and measuring the occlusal pattern factors with a planimeter. The results were as follows: 1. It is possible to count the number of particles within an optional range of size with the new method. 2. The new method may be used with minimum error for the measurement of occlusal pattern factors. We believe that this newly developed computer-assisted image processing method can be put to practical use for clinical evaluation of masticatory efficiency and analysis of occlusal pattern factors.