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

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.