Bite force in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and healthy complete denture wearers

Patrícia Tiemy Hirono Hotta,Simone Cecílio Hallak Regalo,Takami Hirono Hotta,Rogério Fávaro Pavão,Selma Siéssere,César Bataglion

doi:10.1590/s0103-64402008000400012

Patrícia Tiemy Hirono Hotta, Simone Cecílio Hallak Regalo + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0103-64402008000400012

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Abstract

The signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) may contribute to reduce bite force and muscular activity. The aims of this study were to compare bite force in complete denture wearers with TMD (TMD group) and without TMD (healthy group).The TMD group consisted of 9 individuals, who had worn a maxillary and a mandibular complete removable denture for more than 10 years. The healthy group consisted of 9 participants who wore dentures and had satisfactory interocclusal and maxillomandibular relationship. Helkimo Index was used to analyze the dysfunction level. Maximum bite force was measured using a digital dynamometer with capacity of 100 kgf and adapted to oral conditions.The TMD group presented smaller mean bite force values than the healthy group, though without statistical significance (p>0.05). This outcome suggests that the TMD signs and symptoms and the structural conditions of the dentures did not affect the maximal bite force of complete denture wearers.

Highlights

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is defined as a group of conditions characterized by pain or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles [1], restrictive jaw movements and TMJ noises [2]
A sample composed of complete denture wearers with and without TMD was selected with the aim of associating TMD presence with bite force magnitude
The evaluation of bilateral bite force in complete denture wearers is a very important analysis because it is involved in several critical stages of food breakdown

Summary

Introduction

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is defined as a group of conditions characterized by pain or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles [1], restrictive jaw movements and TMJ noises [2]. TMD signs and symptoms may be more intensive in elderly patients and may occur in complete denture wearers [3,4], having a correlation with the patient’s general health, head posture, chewing efficiency [3] and complete denture and occlusal conditions [5]. Mastication is a highly coordinated neuromuscular function involving jaw movements and continuous modulations of force [6,7]. It is considered one of most important functions of the masticatory system [8] and is directly involved in general body’s health [9,10]. The capacity to exert sufficient bite force is an indicator of normal masticatory function [13,14]

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