Cambios morfológicos de la mandíbula presentes en pacientes masticadores unilaterales

Abstract

Aim: To determine the morphological changes of the mandibular anatomical structures in relation to the masticatory pattern of patients attending the Craniomandibular Disorders Research Unit (Unicram) of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela. Methods: Descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study, whose sample consisted of 39 patients from 20 to 30 years old who attended the Craniomandibular Disorders Research Unit (UNICRAM) of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Carabobo, in a period of six months from March to September of the year 2021, selected based on the masticatory pattern of the patients who attending the temporomandibular disorders unit. It was verified if the patient is a unilateral chewer by giving him a piece of gum and asking him to chew it for 2 minutes, which, his chewing preference side could be observed, verifying the effectiveness of the AFM. With a panoramic radiograph, measurements were made through the Simoes Symmetry Panorogram. Results: The patients with the right working side highlighted an increase in the height and width of the condyle on the working side, while the balance side showed an increase in the width and height of the mandibular ramus; and in patients with the left working side, a decrease in the height and width of the condyle on the working side was found. Conclusions: Those patients who have a preference for unilateral chewing, develop chewing on that side. The jaw may undergo volume enlargement and ossification by mechanical stimulation