[An in vitro test procedure for evaluating dental restoration systems. 1. A computer-controlled mastication simulator].

This article describes the development and testing of a computer-controlled chewing simulator which is able to simulate the wear mechanisms and temperature changes that can occur in the mouth. It was further evaluated if the opposing cusps used in this chewing simulator should be metallic or if natural enamel was preferential. The results indicated that the machine fulfilled the parameters concerning chewing motion and thermal changes reported in the literature. Furthermore it was shown that natural enamel cusps must be used as the opposing dentition. The chewing simulator will form a part of an in-vitro test, which will allow the evaluation of dental restorative systems under clinically relevant conditions.