Effect of long-lasting clenching on dental occlusion

Durable clenching on a particular occlusal area may affect the masticatory muscle activity and induce transitional deformation of the dentoalveolar, mandibular and temporomandibular tissues. These effects may provide detectable alterations in the occlusal contact pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the subsequent effect of clenching on the number and location of occlusal contacts. This study was carried out on 16 volunteers with correct occlusion and sharply demarcated occlusal contact pattern. The patient closed to intercuspal position with maximal biting force and the occlusal contacts were revealed with a 12 microns thick occlusal foil. Then a gnathometer was placed between the upper and lower incisors and the mouth was closed for two minutes with about 50 N closing force. After that the occlusal contacts were evaluated again. Paired t-test was used to evaluate the data. Both before and after clenching the highest average number of contacts was recorded on the surface of first molars. They were followed in decreasing order by the second molars, second premolars, first premolars, and finally the canines. When the number of contacts was compared in tooth groups, the first molars and the second premolars had more contacts than the second molars and the first premolars. On the surfaces of molars more occlusal contacts were registered after clenching than before. Significant differences were found in case of the left second molar only. It was concluded that durable clenching on a particular occlusal area might change transitionally the distribution of occlusal contacts.