Bite force, occlusal contact area and masticatory efficiency before and after orthognathic surgical correction of mandibular prognathism

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bite force, occlusal contact area and masticatory efficiency before and after sagittal split ramus osteotomy in 27 patients with mandibular prognathism, in comparison with 27 control subjects with normal occlusion. Bite force and occlusal contact area were simultaneously measured with a computerized occlusal analysis system, the Dental Prescale system. Masticatory efficiency was estimated by a low-adhesive colour-developing chewing-gum system. The data were collected at initial medical consultation, immediately before surgery, and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and more than 2 years after surgery. Both bite force and occlusal contact area of the patients before surgery were significantly less than those of the controls. Although all three parameters had improved after orthognathic surgery, the bite force and occlusal contact area did not reach the values of the controls within 2 years postoperatively; masticatory efficiency at 2 years after surgery drew near to control levels. Bite force correlated with occlusal contact area in the patients postoperatively, whereas masticatory efficiency did not correlate with either of the other two parameters. These results suggest that further adjustment of occlusion and mechanical advantage should be considered before the end of treatment.     

Changes in occlusal state of patients with mandibular prognathismafter orthognathic surgery: a pilot study

This study examined the occlusal state of patients with mandibular prognathism and compared it with that of adults with normal occlusion (controls). It also examined changes in occlusal state after orthognathic operations in these patients. The values of occlusal contact area and bite force in patients before operation were significantly lower than in controls, and occlusal pressure in patients was higher than in controls. The occlusal contact area and bite force of the patients 1 month after the operation had decreased to below preoperative values. These values 12 months after the operation had increased by 2.0 and 1.8 times in women and 1.4 and 1.4 times in men, respectively, compared with preoperative values. However, absolute values remained extremely low compared with those of controls. In contrast to the above, occlusal pressure reached its maximum value 1 month after the operation and at 12 months it was close to the value for controls.     

Occlusal pressure, contact area, force and the correlation with the morphology of the jaw-closing muscles in patients with skeletal mandibular asymmetry

Summary  The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the occlusal force between deviated and non-deviated sides of the mandible in adult patients with skeletal mandibular asymmetry, and then also compare the findings to those obtained from controls. The absolute and balance data of the occlusal pressure, occlusal contact area and occlusal force of 23 patients and the controls were examined. Correlations between the occlusal force and the morphology of the jaw-closing muscles were also analysed. The occlusal pressure of patients was not smaller than controls, however, the occlusal contact area and occlusal force in patients were significantly lower than those in the controls. There was no significant difference in the balance of the occlusal contact area and the occlusal force between the right and left sides in the controls, while the balance was shifted to the deviated side in the patients. Interestingly, the balance of the occlusal pressure was very similar between the patients and the controls. Most parameters of the morphology of the jaw-closing muscles did not show a linear correlation with either the occlusal pressure or force. In conclusion, the occlusal contact area and occlusal force in patients were significantly lower than those in the controls, and also the balance was shifted to the deviated side in patients with skeletal mandibular asymmetry. It is assumed that the morphology and orientation of jaw-closing muscles may have not linear but complex correlation to the weaker and unbalanced occlusal force in patients.     

Changes in stomatognathic function induced by orthognathic surgery in patients with mandibular prognathism.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the changes in stomatognathic function through orthognathic treatment in patients with mandibular prognathism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with mandibular prognathism were tested and compared with 30 healthy controls with normal occlusion. For each subject, the occlusal contact area and occlusal force were measured during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC). Activities of the masseter and temporalis muscles were recorded during MVC and voluntary gum chewing. Jaw movement was analyzed during chewing on the left and right sides. For the analyses, 2 parameters, asymmetry index (AI) and error index (EI), were established to further investigate the nature of masticatory function. AI was used to evaluate the bilateral balance of masticatory muscle activity, and EI indicates the rate of abnormal jaw movement pattern. RESULTS: In patients with mandibular prognathism, the occlusal contact area and maximum bite force decreased before surgery, and increased after surgery. The masseter and temporal muscle activities also decreased before surgery, but showed no substantial increase even after surgery. The occlusal and muscle efficiency exhibited significantly smaller values in the patient group than in the controls, irrespective of treatment stages. The AI decreased after surgery. The EI decreased significantly after surgery, but was still significantly greater in the patient group than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that masticatory muscles in the patients with mandibular prognathism may adapt to the new environment achieved with surgically corrected dentofacial structure, although the activities remain at lower levels as compared with the controls.     

Relationship between oral function and occlusal support in denture wearers

Patients with removable partial dentures or complete dentures do not demonstrate masticatory function to the same level as patients with a full set of natural teeth. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between reduction of masticatory function, in terms of masticatory performance and bite force, and the existence of remaining natural occlusal supports as assessed by the Eichner index. One hundred and eighteen removable partial denture and complete denture wearers were selected for analyses. These subjects were divided into four groups depending upon the number of occlusal supports. Seventy dentate subjects with full occlusal support were designated as a comparison group. Bilateral bite force was measured at the first molar region in all subjects. Masticatory performance was assessed using the modified Masticatory Performance Index. Peanuts were used as the test food. Both bite force and masticatory performance were significantly associated with group classification. Moreover, both bite force and masticatory performance of the four denture groups were significantly reduced compared to the comparison group and this tendency was remarkable for the denture groups without occlusal support. These results suggest that the existence of functional tooth units may be a key factor in preservation of masticatory function.     

Mandibular elevator muscles: physiology, action, and effect of dental occlusion

In spite of differences in embryologic origin, central nervous organization, and muscle fiber distribution, the physiology and action of mandibular elevator muscles are comparable to those of skeletal muscles of the limbs, back, and shoulder. They also share the same age-, sex-, and activity-related variations of muscular strength. With respect to pathogenesis, the type of muscular performance associated with the development of fatigue, discomfort, and pain in mandibular elevators seems to be influenced by the dental occlusion. Clinical research comparing the extent of occlusal contact in patients and controls as well as epidemiologic studies have shown reduced occlusal support to be a risk factor in the development of craniomandibular disorders. In healthy subjects with full natural dentition, occlusal support in the intercuspal position generally amounts to 12–14 pairs of contacting teeth, with predominance of contact on first and second molars. The extent of occlusal contact clearly affects electric muscle activity, bite force, jaw movements, and masticatory efficiency. Neurophysiologic evidence of receptor activity and reflex interaction with the basic motor programs of craniomandibular muscles tends to indicate that the peripheral occlusal control of the elevator muscles is provided by feedback from periodontal pressoreceptors. With stable intercuspal support, especially from posterior teeth, elevator muscles are activated strongly during biting and chewing with a high degree of force and masticatory efficiency, and with relatively short contractions, allowing for pauses. These variables of muscle contraction seem, in general, to strengthen the muscles and prevent discomfort. Therefore, occlusal stability keeps the muscles fit, and enables the masticatory system to meet its functional demands.     

Relationship between cognitive function and mastication in elderly females

In Japan, the elderly population suffering from dementia is rapidly increasing. Several animal studies have indicated a relationship between reduced masticatory function in the elderly subject and cognitive impairment. However, epidemiological studies examining this have been scarce. Using an epidemiological approach, the present study investigated this relationship in 44 females with and 44 without dementia, all aged over 65 years. Age and basic activities of daily living, such as walking, eating, excreting, bathing and dressing, were matched in the two groups. Cognitive impairment of the subjects was measured using the revised Hasegawa Dementia Rating Scale. Masticatory function was assessed in terms of the number of teeth present, maximum bite force, occlusal contact area, and mastication score. The number of teeth present in cognitively normal subjects was significantly higher than in cognitively impaired subjects (P < 0.05). In addition, maximum bite force, occlusal contact area, and mastication scores of cognitively normal subjects were significantly higher than those of cognitively impaired subjects (P < 0.01). These results suggest that masticatory function in the elderly person is associated with cognitive status.     

Association of bite force with ageing and occlusal support in older adults

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ageing, occlusal support and TMJ condition and general health status on bite force in older adults. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 850 independently-living people over the age of 60 years. Bilateral maximal bite force in the intercuspal position was measured with pressure sensitive sheets. TMJ noise by palpation and limitation of mouth opening (less than 40 mm) were assessed. Subjects were grouped into three categories by occlusal support according to the Eichner Index. RESULTS: A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that whether participants had low bite force or not was significantly associated with gender, age, self-rated general health and occlusal support, but not TMJ noise or mouth opening limitation. Overall bite force showed a statistically significant but weak negative Spearman's correlation with age (r=-0.24, p<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between age and bite force in the Eichner C group for males or in any of the Eichner classification for females. CONCLUSIONS: Decline of occlusal support and general health might translate into reduction of bite force with ageing in older adults. Since tooth loss is not physiological ageing but pathological ageing, it cannot be shown that reduction of bite force is a natural effect of ageing.     

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目的 评价舌侧集中（牙合）与解剖式双侧平衡（牙合）全口义齿修复低平牙槽嵴无牙颌患者的咀嚼效率及咬合力。方法 选择2012年6月至2013年4月到中国医科大学口腔医学院修复科就诊的牙槽嵴吸收较严重的无牙颌患者20例作为研究对象,采用闭口式印模法在同一垂直距离和正中关系咬合记录下为同一患者制作舌侧集中（牙合）与解剖式双侧平衡（牙合）2种不同（牙合）型全口义齿,每例患者随机先后接受2副义齿盲戴使用。每副义齿分别在戴用1周、3个月时采用吸光度法测量咀嚼效率以及用Tee-Tester咬合压力测试仪测量2种（牙合）型的最大咬合力,并在每副义齿使用3个月时进行问卷调查。结果 舌侧集中（牙合）全口义齿的咀嚼效率略高于解剖式双侧平衡（牙合）,但差异无统计学意义（P 〉 0.05）;其咬合力小于解剖式双侧平衡牙合,差异有统计学意义（P 〈 0.05）。在主观满意度调查问卷中,患者对舌侧集中（牙合）全口义齿的舒适性、稳定性、咀嚼能力等评价更高。结论 与解剖式双侧平衡（牙合）全口义齿相比,舌侧集中牙合全口义齿修复低平牙槽嵴无牙颌患者具有更高的稳定性;其具有与解剖式双侧平衡（牙合）相当的咀嚼效能,且咬合力小于解剖式双侧平衡（牙合）,从而延缓了牙槽嵴的吸收。     

混合牙列期身体重心动摇和咬合力的相关性研究

目的：调查混合牙列期身体重心动摇与咬合力之间的关系。方法56名处于Hellman咬合发育Ⅲ期A阶段的健康小学生纳入研究。通过检查咬合平衡中点与中线的距离( X)关系,X≤5 mm被划分为正中组,X>5 mm被划分为偏移组。使用自动姿态分析系统测定了身体平衡相关开闭眼时的重心动摇距离、重心动摇面积。使用牙齿压力感应装置Dental Prescale?测定了咬合接触面积、平均咬合力、最大咬合压力,咬合力和咬合平衡。结果咬合接触面积和咬合力的测试结果男女分别为18.1 mm2、712.2 N和14.1 mm2、541.8 N,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。咬合平衡中点正中组与偏移组的咬合接触面积、咬合力之间差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。咬合平衡中点正中组开、闭眼时期的重心动摇距离、面积明显小于偏移组,咬合平衡与开、闭眼时期的重心动摇距离、面积有关且具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。重心动摇稳定组的咬合接触面积大于动摇组,两者差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 Hellman咬合发育Ⅲ期A阶段儿童咬合平衡和人体重心动摇存在相关性,咬合接触面积与身体重心动摇相互影响。     

伴有颞下颌关节紊乱病的女性开患者的咬合力分析研究

目的探讨咬合因素对女性开!患者中颞下颌关节紊乱病（ TMD）发病的影响。方法选取女性开!患者102名,根据TMD的有无分为两组,伴有TMD的试验组有59名患者;不伴有TMD的对照组有43名患者。采用咬合力测试仪对两组患者进行咬合力、咬合接触面积、每一咬合接触点上的平均咬合压强和咬合重心的测试,并通过SPSS 11.0软件进行统计学分析。结果试验组的咬合力和咬合接触面积均小于对照组,两组间每一咬合接触点上的平均咬合压强和咬合重心的偏移无统计学差异。结论咬合力不足与开!女性TMD的发病有关。     

Relationship between jaw movement and masticatory performance in adults with natural dentition

Objective. This study determines the relationship between several characteristics of jaw movement and masticatory performance determined by multiple regression analysis and adjusted for occlusal contact area and bite force. Materials and methods. Forty-two young adults with natural dentition participated in this cross-sectional study. Occlusal contact area was determined at the maximum intercuspal position by scanning interocclusal records. Maximum unilateral force was measured by means of a gnathodynamometer. The height and amplitude of mastication, occlusal glide length, lateral guidance angle, anterior–posterior distance and cycle duration were recorded using the ARCUSdigma II system. Masticatory performance was determined by sieving the Optosil particles resulting from 20 chewing cycles. Results. Median particle size was negatively associated with height of mastication, maximum bite force, occlusal contact area and amplitude of mastication. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the height of mastication and dental guidance angle are the characteristics of jaw movement most closely related to masticatory performance. Conclusions. In adults with natural dentition, a large vertical height of mastication and a small dental guidance angle are the characteristics of jaw movement most closely associated with good masticatory performance, determined by multiple regression analysis and adjusted for occlusal contact area and bite force.     

Differences in Masticatory Function in Patients with Endodontically Treated Teeth and Single-implant–supported Prostheses: A Pilot Study

Endodontic treatment and dental implants are both viable treatment options to restore a compromised dentition. How these treatments impact patients' ability to chew has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare various parameters of masticatory function in patients with endodontically treated teeth and single-implant supported prostheses. Fifty patients were included in this study. Twenty-five patients had mandibular molar root canals, and 25 had single implant-supported prostheses in the mandibular molar region. The natural tooth contralateral to the treated side served as the internal control. Maximum bite force, chewing efficiency, and areas of occlusal contact and near contact (ACNC) were recorded for each subject, along with a questionnaire to evaluate subjective chewing ability. When compared with contralateral controls, dental implants were found to have significantly lower maximum bite forces, reduced chewing efficiency, and smaller ACNC. Endodontically treated teeth were not statistically different than their contralateral controls. These results indicate that endodontically treated natural teeth may provide more effective occlusal contact during masticatory function compared with implant-supported restorations, leading to more efficient mastication.     

Relation of dietary preference to bite force and occlusal contact area in Japanese children

Summary  The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of dietary preference to bite force and occlusal contact area in Japanese elementary school children. A total of 348 children, aged 7–12 years, from two public elementary schools located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, participated in the study. Clinical examination included decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft and DMFT), and total numbers of deciduous and permanent teeth. Bite force and occlusal contact area were measured using a pressure-detecting sheet. Dietary preference was assessed using a questionnaire in which the answers were given in like/dislike form. Mann–Whitney U- test and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to analyse the data. In multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, gender and total number of teeth present, children who liked cabbage and celery showed significantly higher bite force ( P  =   0·05 and P  <   0·01, respectively) than those who disliked these. Children who liked cabbage and celery also showed higher occlusal contact area ( P  <   0·05 and P  <   0·01, respectively) than those who disliked these. The Japanese elementary school children who liked hard foods such as cabbage and celery showed higher bite force and higher occlusal contact area than those who disliked these foods. A positive attitude towards harder food items might contribute to healthy development of the masticatory apparatus.     

Relationship between chewing side preference and handedness and lateral asymmetry of peripheral factors

Objective

To determine whether chewing side preference is related to handedness and lateral asymmetry of occlusal characteristics, muscular force and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a dentate population.

Design

One hundred and seventeen dentate adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Static and dynamic occlusal characteristics were determined at the maximal intercuspal position and at the lateral excursions by scanning interocclusal records and analysing them using image software. Unilateral maximum bite force and finger-thumb grip force were measured by means of a gnathodynamometer. TMD were assessed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Chewing side preference and masticatory laterality were determined by observing the jaw's movement while each subject chewed silicone. Asymmetry or side difference of the variables was calculated. Correlation between side difference variables and masticatory laterality was studied using Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

Fifty-nine subjects chewed on the right, 15 on the left and 43 chewed on both sides. There was no relationship between preferred chewing side and handedness, lateral asymmetry of TMD or side difference in finger-thumb grip force. Significant and positive correlations were observed between masticatory laterality and side differences in bite force and side differences in occlusal contact area at intercuspal position (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Chewing side preference in a dentate population is related to lateral asymmetry of bite force and asymmetry of occlusal contact area at the intercuspal position but not to handedness.     

Changes in bite force and occlusal contact area after orthognathic surgery for correction of mandibular prognathism

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the long-term changes of bite force and occlusal contact area in patients with prognathous after orthognathic surgery with a newly developed pressure-sensitive sheet (Dental-Prescale; Fuji Photo Film Co). STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-seven patients with prognathous were examined. Bite force and occlusal contact area were measured just before operation and at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after operation. Forty control subjects with normal occlusion were also measured. RESULTS: The bite force and occlusal contact area of the patients were significantly greater than the preoperative level at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after operation. However, they were still significantly lower than the control subject level even at 3 years after operation. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that orthognathic surgery improves the bite force and occlusal contact area of patients with prognathous. However, at 3 years from the time of operation, patients had not reached control subject levels.     

Influence of clenching intensity on bite force balance, occlusal contact area, and average bite pressure.

It has been difficult for investigators to simultaneously and reliably evaluate bite force in the intercuspal position with the area and location of occlusal contacts. This study was designed to investigate the variations in these parameters with respect to two factors: three levels of clenching and the preferred chewing side. Human subjects with normal occlusion were examined with a recently developed system (Dental Prescale Occluzer, Fuji Film, Tokyo, Japan). The three levels of clenching intensity were assessed by masseteric EMG activity and included the maximum voluntary contraction, and 30% and 60% of the maximum. The results indicated that the bite force and occlusal contact area on the whole dental arch increased with clenching intensity. In contrast, the average bite pressure, obtained by dividing the bite force by the contact area, remained unchanged regardless of the clenching intensity. As the clenching intensity increased, the medio-lateral position of the bite force balancing point shifted significantly (P<0.01) from the preferred chewing side toward the midline. The antero-posterior position remained stable in a range between the distal third of the first molar and the mesial third of the second molar. The bite force and occlusal contact area, which were mainly on the molars, increased with the clenching intensity, whereas the proportions of these two variables on each upper tooth usually did not change significantly. The exception was the second molar on the non-preferred chewing side. When comparisons were made between pairs of specific upper teeth of same name, usually no significant difference was found in bite force or occlusal contact area, regardless of the clenching level. Again, the exception to this observation was the second molar on the preferred chewing side, which had a larger area at the 30% clenching level. The results in normal subjects suggest that as the clenching intensity increases in the intercuspal position, the bite force adjusts to a position where it is well-balanced. This adjustment may prevent damage and overload to the teeth and temporomandibular joints.     

Masticatory function in retrognathic patients, before and after mandibular advancement surgery.

PURPOSE: Mandibular retrognathia is a dentofacial deformity that can be surgically corrected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of orthognathic surgery on masticatory function in a sample of retrognathic patients and to compare these findings with those of controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven retrognathic patients were tested before and 1 to 1.5 years after mandibular advancement surgery and compared with 12 controls. The median particle size after chewing a silicon rubber test food, the maximum bite force, and the electromyographic activity (EMG) of the anterior temporalis and the masseter muscles during isometric clenching and during chewing were determined. Patients, before and after treatment, and controls were statistically compared by analysis of variance. RESULTS: Surgical correction of mandibular retrognathia did not change chewing efficiency, maximum bite force, EMG during maximal clenching, EMG during chewing, or the EMG/bite-force relationship. Compared with controls, the chewing efficiency, maximum bite force, EMG during maximal clenching, and EMG during chewing values were lower. No difference for the EMG/bite-force ratio at maximal clenching was found, indicating similar muscle efficiency for patients and controls. However, in the range of 10% to 40% of the maximum bite force, the slope of the EMG/bite-force regression line was steeper for the patients than for the controls, indicating decreased muscle efficiency for patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that in retrognathic patients, function of the masticatory system is impaired. Oral function was not influenced by mandibular advancement surgery.     

Inclination of the temporomandibular joint eminence and anterior disc displacement

The articular eminence angle of 179 temporomandibular joints (TMJ) with anterior disc displacement (ADD) in 179 patients was measured and compared with 200 left and 200 right joints of 400 young adults without TMJ dysfunction. A steeper inclination of the posterior slope of the articular eminence, with a mean difference compared to the control group of 14.5 degrees, was seen in joints with ADD. In the group of 179 joints with ADD of the TMJ, no difference was seen in the mean articular eminence angle between joints with an ADD with reduction, and an ADD without reduction, between conservatively or surgically treated joints, or between joints with different presumed causes of ADD.