Chewing Device for Individuals With Sensory Processing Disorder
School Name
Center For Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) often feel the intense need to chew on objects. This can lead to cracking of teeth. Chews, such as ArkTherapeutic, already exist to assist with this need. Existing devices are all handheld and do not benefit those with limited use of their arms. The goal of this project is to create a chewing device that aims to satisfy chewing needs of individuals with SPD including those with limited mobility of their arms. To address this problem, the mouthguard is designed to fit onto the top teeth for stability and contains two thin chew blocks underneath. These thin chew blocks cover the molars where the majority of mastication and teeth cracking occurs. The device is made out of silicone rubber in order for it to be moldable to the teeth and flexible enough to chew on. Tests that mimic chewing motions were done upon the chewing prototypes. Throughout various trials, the device was found to react well under pressure and had no tears or breaks. The shape of the device mimics the average mouth shape and appears to work well with a few minor adjustments. Overall, this device is beginning to show promising results to withstand chewing pressure and satisfy chewing needs of individuals with SPD.
Recommended Citation
Meier, MacKenzie, "Chewing Device for Individuals With Sensory Processing Disorder" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 107.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/107
Location
John's Hall 105
Start Date
3-28-2020 8:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Chewing Device for Individuals With Sensory Processing Disorder
John's Hall 105
Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) often feel the intense need to chew on objects. This can lead to cracking of teeth. Chews, such as ArkTherapeutic, already exist to assist with this need. Existing devices are all handheld and do not benefit those with limited use of their arms. The goal of this project is to create a chewing device that aims to satisfy chewing needs of individuals with SPD including those with limited mobility of their arms. To address this problem, the mouthguard is designed to fit onto the top teeth for stability and contains two thin chew blocks underneath. These thin chew blocks cover the molars where the majority of mastication and teeth cracking occurs. The device is made out of silicone rubber in order for it to be moldable to the teeth and flexible enough to chew on. Tests that mimic chewing motions were done upon the chewing prototypes. Throughout various trials, the device was found to react well under pressure and had no tears or breaks. The shape of the device mimics the average mouth shape and appears to work well with a few minor adjustments. Overall, this device is beginning to show promising results to withstand chewing pressure and satisfy chewing needs of individuals with SPD.
