Protocol for production of a chewable material for masticatory function tests (Optocal - Brazilian version).

The present article aimed to present a standardized protocol for the production of a chewable test material that has been used in masticatory efficiency and performance studies. This chewable material has advantages in respect to its physical properties when compared to other artificial and natural test foods. It is constituted by mixing condensation silicon (58.3% by weight), common plaster (10.2% by weight), alginate (12.5% by weight), solid vaseline (11.5% by weight), tooth paste (7.5% by weight), and catalyst paste (20.8 mg/g), adding also three drops of mint essence. The mixed material is then inserted into an acrylic mould with perforations of 12 mm in diameter and 5 mm in height to produce rounded tablets with those measures after polymerization. It was named 'Optocal - Brazilian version'. A volume of 3 cm(3) is indicated for a chewing test, which corresponds to 12 tablets using the present methodology. The present protocol can make the production of this chewable material easier, helping in its standardization for studies on masticatory function.