Influence of Clenching Intensity on Bite Force Balance, Occlusal Contact Area, and Average Bite Pressure

Background/Aim. Bruxism is a parafunctional activity of the masticatory system, which is characterized by clenching or grinding of teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of bruxism has impact on maximum bite force, with particular reference to the potential impact of gender on bite force values. Methods. This study included two groups of subjects: without and with bruxism. The presence of bruxism in the subjects was registered using a specific clinical questionnaire on bruxism and physical examination. The subjects from both groups were submitted to the procedure of measuring the maximum bite pressure and occlusal contact area using a single-sheet pressure-sensitive films (Fuji Prescale MS and HS Film). Maximal bite force was obtained by multiplying maximal bite pressure and occlusal contact area values. Results. The average values of maximal bite force were significantly higher in the subjects with bruxism compared to those without bruxism (p < 0.001). Occlusal contact area was significantly higher in the subjects suffering from bruxism (p < 0.001), while the maximal bite pressure values did not show a significant difference between the studied groups (p > 0.01). Maximal bite force was significantly higher in the males compared to the females in all segments of the research. Conclusion. The presence of bruxism influences the increase in the maximum bite force as shown in this study. Gender is a significant determinant of bite force. Registration of maximum bite force can be used in diagnosing and analysing pathophysiological events during bruxism.

Download Full-text

Occlusal contact area, occlusal pressure, bite force, and masticatory efficiency in patients with anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint

Journal of Oral Rehabilitation ◽

10.1046/j.1365-2842.1999.00481.x ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 906-911 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

S. Sato ◽

M. Ohta ◽

M. Sawatari ◽

H. Kawamura ◽

K. Motegi

Keyword(s):

Temporomandibular Joint ◽

Contact Area ◽

Bite Force ◽

Disc Displacement ◽

Occlusal Contact ◽

Masticatory Efficiency ◽

Anterior Disc Displacement

Download Full-text

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

Journal of Oral Rehabilitation ◽

10.1111/j.1365-2842.2009.01971.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 36 (8) ◽

pp. 584-591 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

R. YAMANAKA ◽

R. AKTHER ◽

M. FURUTA ◽

R. KOYAMA ◽

T. TOMOFUJI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Contact Area ◽

Bite Force ◽

Japanese Children ◽

Occlusal Contact ◽

Dietary Preference

Download Full-text

Changes in occlusal contact area and average bite pressure during treatment of anterior crossbite in primary dentition

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry ◽

10.17796/jcpd.28.1.25472t792t36p50m ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 75-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Yasutaka Yawaka ◽

Syouji Hironaka ◽

Akemi Akiyama ◽

Ikuko Matzuduka ◽

Chihiro Takasaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Period ◽

Contact Area ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Measured Data ◽

Primary Dentition ◽

Occlusal Contact ◽

Functional Parameters ◽

Bite Pressure ◽

Occlusal Load

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in functional parameters of patients with anterior crossbite in primary dentition during orthodontic treatment. Occlusal contact area (OCA), average bite pressure (ABP) and integrated occlusal load (IOL) were measured. Data obtained before the start of treatment (period A), data obtained when crossbite had improved (period B) and data obtained when the appliance had been removed (period C) were compared. OCA showed the lowest value in period B, and then gradually increased. ABP increased until period B and then declined or became constant. OCA and IOL showed significant differences in periods A and B and periods B and C (p<0.05). The results suggest that about 6 months is required for stability of the occlusion and acquisition of function in the new occlusion after improvement of crossbite.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Treatments in Patients with Nocturnal Bruxism on Bite Force and Occlusal Contact Area: A preliminary report

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1697392 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 02 (04) ◽

pp. 276-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Alper Alkan ◽

Emel Bulut ◽

Selim Arici ◽

Shuichi Sato

Keyword(s):

Contact Area ◽

Tricyclic Antidepressant ◽

Bite Force ◽

Control Group ◽

Occlusal Splint ◽

Occlusal Contact ◽

Splint Therapy ◽

Fuji Photo Film ◽

Normal Occlusion ◽

Group A

ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of occlusal splint therapy and tricyclic antidepressants on the bite force and occlusal contact area of patients presenting with nocturnal bruxism.Methods: A maxillary full-coverage hard acrylic splint was applied to the five patients (Group S). Five patients took a tricyclic antidepressant (Amitriptiline HCl, 10 mg/day) for 3 months (Group A) and a control group (Group C) comprising of 10 dental school students with normal occlusion was also formed. Using a Dental Prescale (Fuji Photo Film Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and an Occluzer computer (FPD703, Fuji Photo Film Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) the bite force and occlusal contact area were measured. The evaluations were made just before the treatment and at 1 month and 3 months of treatment.Results: The bite force and occlusal contact area before treatment in study Groups A and S were found to be higher than those in the Group C. Furthermore, the bite force and occlusal contact area increased during treatment in Group A whilst they decreased in Group S. Bite force and occlusal contact area in Group S were lower at both 1 month and 3 months of treatment than in Group C.Conclusions: It could be tentatively suggested that occlusal splint therapy may be more effective than tricyclic antidepressant in the treatment of bruxism. Further investigations of this measurement method involving larger study populations and a longer follow-up period are needed. (Eur J Dent 2008;2:276-282)

Download Full-text