Abstract
Aim: The present study was done to compare the muscle thickness of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscle in adults with normal occlusion and anterior open bite using ultrasonography, in rest position and maximum intercuspation. Material and Methods: Ultrasonographic recording of masseter and anterior temporalis thickness of both sides of nine subjects with anterior open bite and normal occlusion was done. Unpaired t test was used for the intergroup comparison of muscle thickness. Results: A significant correlation between the thicknesses of both the muscles in contracted state was found to be more in anterior open bite. There was no statistically significant correlation between thicknesses of both muscles in relaxed state. Conclusion: Since no detailed investigation was done, it will be premature to give a final verdict on the correlation between the masticatory muscle thickness and facial morphology. A long term follow up will provide a new insight for future clinical purpose. Keywords: Ultrasonography, Temporalis muscle, Masseter, Open bite.
Highlights
The relationship between the form and function of the stomatognathic system has been studied, but it’s not clear whether it’s Genetics or the strength of the masticatory muscles that play the decisive role.[1,2,3] The field of medical imaging, stimulated by advances in digital and communication technologies has grown tremendously
On comparing the two groups, the masseter muscle thickness was more in the control group than the test group in relaxed as well as contracted state and this was found to be statistically significant
While anterior temporalis muscle in contracted state was significant in anterior open bite than normal subjects, but it was found to be insignificant in relaxed state
Summary
The relationship between the form and function of the stomatognathic system has been studied, but it’s not clear whether it’s Genetics or the strength of the masticatory muscles that play the decisive role.[1,2,3] The field of medical imaging, stimulated by advances in digital and communication technologies has grown tremendously. Masticatory muscle function correlates with the morphological feature of craniomandibular apparatus to which they are geometrically related.[7] Answering the question as to whether the activity of masticatory muscle has any effect on facial morphology is important for understanding of normal growth and development and the occurrences of morphological abnormalities. If this is held true, the abnormal muscle structure can explain extreme abnormalities of facial morphology and certain forms of malocclusion.[8]
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