Bite Force Research Articles

Electro-thermal actuation in recycled aggregate concrete with rapid self-reinforcement via smart cement-based composites

With the growing call for low-carbon and environmentally friendly materials, recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) holds great promise for sustainable development. Nevertheless, significant challenges exist with respect to the material’s poor flexural carrying capacity. Development of an effective method for improving the flexural carrying capacity of RAC under a specific deflection deformation is important for enhancing the range of its structural applications. In this study, an intelligent structural optimisation strategy for compounding RAC with carbon-fibre (CF) reinforced cement-based composites (CFRCs) to realize rapid self-reinforcement via electro-thermal actuation is proposed. As a smart component, CFRC was first researched to investigate its electrical, mechanical, and microscopic properties. The optimal properties were obtained in specimens incorporating 0.5 vol%, CFRC0.5. CFRC0.5 exhibits an electrical resistivity of approximately 0.39 Ω∙m, accompanied by 65.3 % and 33 % increases in flexural and compressive strengths, respectively, when compared to the control mixture without CF. Furthermore, CFRC0.5 can maintain outstanding stability after multiple electro-thermal cycles. Analysis via microscopic characterisation revealed that a satisfactory conductive network can be formed at 0.5 vol% CF. Furthermore, CFs with excellent dispersity are particularly advantageous in improving the mechanical biting force within the cement matrix and restraining the further formation and expansion of microcracks. Thus CFRC0.5 was designed and fabricated as a pre-stress controller to realise rapid structural self-reinforcement, resulting in a 38.6 % improvement in the flexural carrying capacity of the RAC under specific midspan deflection conditions. Additionally, a response behaviour model for midspan deflection with temperature differential was established, showing an excellent correlation between the experimental results and theoretical simulation. This findings from this study highlight the significance of leveraging intelligent techniques to realise rapid self-reinforcement capabilities in concrete structures, facilitating their potential application in smart and adaptive structures.

Analysis of the stomatognathic system functions and mastication muscles in children affected by molar hypomineralization (MH): a cross-sectional study.

To analyze the functions of the stomatognathic system in children with or without molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). For this cross-sectional study, 72 children aged 6-12years were recruited and divided in two groups: with MIH (G1) and without MIH (G2). T-SCAN was used to verify the distribution of occlusal contacts, gnathodynamometer to measure maximum molar bite force, and Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI) to assess the strength of facial expression muscles. The t test and paired t test (p ≤ 0.05) were used for statistical comparisons. The molars affected by MIH exhibited lower distribution of occlusal forces (p < 0.001) and lower maximum molar bite force (p < 0.05) compared to the molars in the control group. However, there was no difference between the MIH-affected sides compared to the unaffected side, nor between the molars affected by MIH and their antagonists (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the forces of the facial expression muscles between the groups. These findings suggest that MIH significantly impacts occlusal force distribution and bite force, but not facial expression musculature.

Clinical benefit of botulinum toxin for treatment of persistent TMD-related myofascial pain: A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.

Injections of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) have been proposed as an additional treatment modality for patients suffering chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related myofascial pain (MFP). BoNT-A impairs muscle function, along with its analgesic effect, and a minimal effective dose should be used. The objective of this randomized placebo-controlled crossover study was to evaluate the clinical benefit of a moderate dose (50 U) of BoNT-A. Sixty-six subjects were randomized into two groups, one which received BoNT-A first and a second which received a saline solution (SS) first. Follow-ups were performed 2, 11, and 16 weeks after the injections. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) diagnostic algorithms were used to evaluate characteristic pain intensity (CPI) and pain-related disability based on the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS). Electromyographic and bite force were also evaluated. The within-group analysis showed a significant improvement in pain intensity and pain-related disability after BoNT-A (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.011) and SS (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, p = 0.046) injections up to week 16. The between-group analysis of pain-related variables revealed no differences between groups at any time. Nonetheless, BoNT-A, but not SS, caused a significant decline in muscle performance. The number needed to treat (NNT) regarding a clinically significant pain reduction (≥30%) was 6.3, 57.0, and 19.0 at 2, 11, and 16-week follow-ups favoring BoNT-A. Injections of 50 U of BoNT-A might improve MFP symptoms, but the specific effect of the drug on pain compared to the placebo is not obvious.

Kinematic performance of a novel temporomandibular joint replacement prosthesis under bite-force conditions in dogs and cats.

To evaluate the kinematics and stability of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of cats and dogs with and without a TMJ replacement (TMJR) prosthesis under simulated bite forces and mouth opening. Sixteen cadaver skulls from domestic cats (n = 8) and medium- to large-breed dogs (n = 8). Intact TMJs were tested. Following condylectomy and coronoidectomy, the skulls were fitted with a TMJR prosthesis unilaterally and retested. Prosthesis was similarly implanted in the contralateral TMJ in 4 cats and 4 dogs before retesting. Left and right bite motions were evaluated before bite contact to peak bite force (200 N in dogs, 63 N in cats). Mouth opening motion was recorded. Mandibular displacement under load was evaluated in 3 orthogonal planes. Maximal displacement was compared between TMJR groups and native TMJ. Prosthesis-bone motion of the temporal and mandibular components was evaluated during simulated bites and mouth opening. TMJR resulted in joint motion not demonstrably different from the native TMJ, with the ability to fully open and close the mouth and with minimal laterotrusion. The TMJR prosthesis demonstrated similar stability after unilateral and bilateral replacement during bite force and with an open mouth. Mean implant-bone motion during bite simulations for the temporal and mandibular TMJR components was ≤ 60 µm in cats and ≤ 30 µm in dogs. A novel TMJR can be implanted and allows normal jaw motion. Joint stability is maintained after TMJR implantation in the TMJ of dogs and cats TMJ that is devoid of muscular support.

Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow) bill size is primarily shaped by thermoregulation on the California Channel Islands

ABSTRACT Inferring the environmental selection pressures responsible for phenotypic variation is a challenge in adaptation studies as traits often have multiple functions and are shaped by complex selection regimes. We provide indirect evidence that morphology of the multifunctional avian bill is primarily shaped by climate and thermoregulatory ability in Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow) on the California Channel Islands. Our research builds on a study in M. melodia museum specimens that demonstrated a positive correlation between bill surface area and maximum temperature, suggesting a greater demand for dry heat dissipation in hotter, xeric environments. We sampled contemporary sparrow populations across 3 climatically distinct islands to test the hypotheses that bill morphology is influenced by habitat differences with functional consequences for foraging efficiency and is related to maximum temperature and, consequently, important for thermoregulation. Measurements of &amp;gt;500 live individuals indicated a significant, positive relationship between maximum temperature and bill surface area when correcting for body size. In contrast, maximum bite force, seed extraction time, and vegetation on breeding territories (a proxy for food resources) were not significantly associated with bill dimensions. While we cannot exclude the influence of foraging ability and diet on bill morphology, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in M. melodia need for thermoregulatory capacity across the northern Channel Islands selects for divergence in bill surface area.

Sexual dimorphism in head size in wild burying beetles

Abstract The burying beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides) is thought to be predominantly sexually monomorphic. Males carry an additional abdominal segment and produce pheromones, but otherwise the sexes are alike. Both sexes bear bright orange bands on their black elytra, which probably function as part of a warning display rather than in mate choice. In wild populations, the sexes do not differ in mean body size, nor in its variation. Here we describe a form of sexual size dimorphism in wild populations that has previously been overlooked. We show that males have wider heads than females, for any given pronotum width (body size), and that the scaling relationship between head width and pronotum width is hyperallometric in males, but isometric in females. We also show how absolute head width, as well as the extent of sexual dimorphism in head width, differs among seven wild populations inhabiting different woodlands that are within c.10 km of each other. We suggest that head size dimorphism is functionally related to bite force. We hypothesise that dimorphism could be due to divergent selection arising from task specialisation during biparental care, as the duties of care favoured by males are likely to require a greater bite force.

Conquering the crush: A novel tool for holding crocodilian jaws open

AbstractCrocodilians have diverse snout shapes ranging from the long, narrow snouts of the Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) to the broad snout of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). In addition, crocodilians possess the strongest bite force of all extant animals, with recorded values for adult alligators exceeding 9 kilonewtons (kN). Jaw‐closing pressure poses a challenge and safety risk for people working with crocodilians, such as veterinarians, wildlife managers, and researchers who must safely access the oral cavity to perform veterinary procedures, health assessments, hook removals, or sample collection. Conventionally, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or metal tubes (pipes) placed longitudinally into the mouth have been used to hold crocodilian jaws open for such operations. The short sections of opaque pipe can cause oral irritation, obscure the palate and tongue, and restrict access to the oral cavity and palatal valve. In conjunction with a project investigating the diet of alligators in the southeastern United States, we identified a need to create an efficient tool to allow safe and direct access to the alligator oral cavity. We built 2 versions of a device for holding alligator jaws open that are adjustable to accommodate different gape sizes. The device allows for safe positioning within the mouth, includes safety considerations for device failure, and is adaptable to both widen and collapse the gape of the mouth. We successfully deployed and recovered the device on 76 wild alligators ranging in total length from 120 to 329 cm. We also performed mechanical tests in the laboratory to assess the maximum force the devices and associated materials can safely withstand, as well as the conditions under which the devices fail. Our medium‐duty and heavy‐duty device designs withstood forces up to 6 kN and 18 kN, respectively. We observed no material fracture in the devices but did observe deformations of materials used during laboratory testing. The device is an inexpensive and effective tool for veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and managers who need to hold open the jaws of crocodilians safely.

Associations of sex, age, and number of remaining teeth with performance on oral hypofunction tests.

Oral hypofunction comprises seven aspects of oral condition, including oral hygiene, oral dryness, bite strength, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function. Each of these seven has a single diagnostic criterion; however, the use of a single indicator without consideration of sex, age, or other factors is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the oral hypofunction test and sex, age, and number of remaining teeth. The study was conducted at 12 facilities by the members of the Japanese Society of Geriatric Dentistry during April to December 2019. The participants comprised 181 healthy older adults aged 65 years and over (56.9% female; age range 65-95 years) who regularly visited these facilities. All tests of oral function and oral status available in Japan were performed on the participants, and the association between these tests and sex, age, and number of remaining teeth was examined. Sex differences were observed in masticatory function, bite force, lip closure force, jaw-opening force, oral diadochokinesis "ka," and tongue coating index (p < .05). In men, age was weakly (r = 0.20-0.40) associated with masticatory function, jaw-opening force, maximum tongue pressure, oral diadochokinesis, and swallowing function. In women, the number of remaining teeth, masticatory function, jaw-opening force, and oral diadochokinesis "ta" and "ka" was also weakly associated with age. Performance on the oral hypofunction test differs by sex, age, and number of remaining teeth. This means that the current single criterion for evaluation requires caution in its interpretation.

Development of a novel three-dimensional injection guide for trigeminal ganglia

BackgroundTrigeminal ganglion (TG) plays an important role in the process of orthodontic pain. It’s necessary to design an accurate, precise and minimally invasive trigeminal ganglion injection guide plate to study TG. MethodsMicro-CT was used to obtain the Dicom format data, and three-dimensional (3D) software (mimics and magics23.03) was used to reconstruct 3D head models. Design and modifications of the TG injection guide plate were performed in Magic 23.03 software, and the guide plate was produced by a 3D stereolithography printer. X-ray, micro-CT, Evans blue, and virus transduction were used to demonstrate the accuracy of the guide-assisted injection. Pain levels were evaluated after using the injection guide by a bite force test and Von Frey test. ResultsX-ray and micro-CT tests confirmed that the injection needle reached the bilateral trigeminal ganglia fossa. The Evans blue test and virus transduction proved that the injected drug could be accurately injected into the bilateral trigeminal ganglion and the lentivirus could be successfully transfected. The percentage of accurate injection was 10/10 (bilateral trigeminal ganglia). Orofacial pain induced by the trigeminal ganglion injection was mild and returned to baseline within seven days. ConclusionThe injection guide described in this study is viable and reliable for the delivery of drugs and virus transduction into the trigeminal ganglia.

Understanding Trophic Interactions in a Warming World by Bridging Foraging Ecology and Biomechanics with Network Science.

Climate change will disrupt biological processes at every scale. Ecosystem functions and services vital to ecological resilience are set to shift, with consequences for how we manage land, natural resources, and food systems. Increasing temperatures cause morphological shifts, with concomitant implications for biomechanical performance metrics crucial to trophic interactions. Biomechanical performance, such as maximum bite force or running speed, determines the breadth of resources accessible to consumers, the outcome of interspecific interactions, and thus the structure of ecological networks. Climate change-induced impacts to ecosystem services and resilience are therefore on the horizon, mediated by disruptions of biomechanical performance and, consequently, trophic interactions across whole ecosystems. Here, we argue that there is an urgent need to investigate the complex interactions between climate change, biomechanical traits, and foraging ecology to help predict changes to ecological networks and ecosystem functioning. We discuss how these seemingly disparate disciplines can be connected through network science. Using an ant-plant network as an example, we illustrate how different data types could be integrated to investigate the interaction between warming, bite force, and trophic interactions, and discuss what such an integration will achieve. It is our hope that this integrative framework will help to identify a viable means to elucidate previously intractable impacts of climate change, with effective predictive potential to guide management and mitigation.

Mechanical performance of patient-specific prefabricated temporary shell versus laboratory-fabricated CAD/CAM provisional implant-supported single-tooth restorations: Alaboratory study.

To evaluate the mechanical performance of patient-specific prefabricated temporary shell versus laboratory-fabricated CAD/CAM provisional restorations on titanium temporary abutments, with and without thermo-mechanical ageing. Implants with a conical connection were divided into four groups (n = 24) and restored with temporary shell or laboratory-fabricated central or lateral incisor PMMA restorations that were relined or bonded on titanium temporary abutments. The diameter of the central and lateral incisor groups' implants was regular (ϕ 4.3 mm) or narrow (ϕ 3.5 mm), respectively. Half of each group's specimens were subjected to ageing, simultaneous thermocycling (5-55°C) and chewing simulation (120,000 cycles, 50 N, 1.7 Hz) resulting in eight groups in total (n = 12). The aged specimens were evaluated with optical microscopy, and survival and complication rates were determined according to modified USPHS criteria. The non-aged specimens and those that had survived ageing were loaded until failure, whereupon bending moments were calculated. Survival rates after ageing were 100% for all groups. Apart from wear facets (ϕ 2-3 mm) on the palatal restoration surface, no complications were observed. The mean fracture load and bending moments ranged between 597.6-847.1 N and 433.3-550.6 Ncm, respectively, with no significant differences between the eight groups (p = .25; p = .20). As patient-specific temporary shell central and lateral incisor provisional implant-supported restorations are mechanically stable enough to withstand clinical bite forces, even after thermo-mechanical ageing, they may serve as an alternative to laboratory-fabricated provisional restorations.

Edible Bite Force Sensor: A Novel Approach to Measuring Bite Force in Biomedical and Dental Applications.

BACKGROUND Measurement of bite force plays a crucial role in assessment of the masticatory system. With a growing interest in detecting occlusal irregularities, bite force sensors have garnered attention in the biomedical field. This study aimed to introduce a hydrogel bite force sensor, based on hydroxyethyl-cellulose-fructose-water (HEC-F-water), for premolar and molar teeth, and to evaluate it using optical profilometry, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Instron Tension testing system, with 2.5 cm (1 inch) margins at top, bottom, right, and left. MATERIAL AND METHODS We fabricated 20 HEC-F-water hydrogel samples sized with surface of 1×1 cm, with 2 different widths - 1 mm and 5 mm. The samples were characterized using optical profilometry and FTIR and their electrical characteristics were determined using an impedance analyzer. Aluminum (Al) electrodes, fabricated using Cutting Plotter, were used to form a HEC-F-water-based transducer, which was used for bite force sensing. The Instron tensile testing system was employed, utilizing 3D printed models of the upper and lower jaw, to simulate biting. Forces in the range between 40 N and 540 N were exerted upon the transducer, and the output change in the electrical signal was measured. RESULTS The study determined the transfer function between bite force and capacitance. The fabricated sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 3.98 pF/N, an input range of 500 N, output range of 2 nF, and accuracy of 95.9%. CONCLUSIONS This study introduces an edible bite force sensor employing an edible hydrogel as a dielectric, presenting a novel avenue in the development of edible sensorics in dentistry.

Effects of body mass and taxonomic order on the masses of functionally classified groups of the jaw musculature in birds

Abstract There is increasing interest from evolutionary biologists in the evolution of avian bill shape, how the bill is used during feeding and, in particular, the bite forces the bill can deliver. Bite force exhibits isometry with the total mass of the jaw musculature, but there is variation in the functional categories of the jaw muscles in different avian taxa. Qualitative descriptions of the jaw musculature do not allow analysis of the relative contributions that adductor or retractor muscles play in generating a bite force. This study is a meta-analysis of published data for body mass and the mass of the jaw musculature in 66 bird species from 10 orders. The masses of the different muscles contributing to adduction and retraction in closing the jaw, and to depression and protraction in opening the jaw, were summed and allometric relationships explored before investigating the effects of taxonomic order on these relationships. The categories of muscles, and the masses of each category of jaw musculature varied among avian orders. Some species, such as the flightless ratites, had relatively small jaw muscle mass but parrots had an additional adductor muscle. Phylogenetically controlled relationships between body mass and the mass of each muscle category irrespective of taxonomic order were isometric. However, analysis of covariance revealed significant interactions between body mass and taxonomic order. Most orders had low values for body-mass-specific muscle masses in the jaw with the notable exceptions of the Passeriformes (songbirds) and Psittaciformes (parrots). The values of these orders were 3–4 times greater, although the relative amounts of muscles contributing to adduction and retraction were similar in Psittaciformes, but adduction was markedly higher in Passeriformes. The results of these analyses highlight the lack of species-specific data for most birds, which is adversely impacting our understanding of the anatomical features that are determining the functional properties of the bill during feeding.

Population variation in signaling behavior and contest outcome in the jacky dragon.

Being aggressive and by extension, dominant, is an important mechanism for determining access to resources such as mates or territories. While predictors of contest outcome and dominance are increasingly studied, we have a poor understanding of how they vary across populations. Here, I use the widely distributed Australian agamid lizard, the Jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus), to quantify variation in features predicting contest outcome among males of different populations. I measured physical attributes, maximal physiological performance capacity (sprint speed, endurance, bite force) and visual displays during staged encounters. I found that morphology, performance capacity and the type and frequency of visual displays used during agonistic interactions varied significantly across populations. Contest winners from the Cann River State Forest population favored tail-flicks and push-up/body-rocks, while those from Royal National Park were more likely to chase and individuals from Yarratt State Forest performed more bite-lunges than other populations. The losers of contests also differed in their displays. Individuals from the Cann River population were dominant over the others based on behavioral attributes (i.e., aggressive visual displays, chases and bite-lunges). I suggest that population differences in signal form and function could have implications for range dynamics as populations come into contact in an era of rapid environmental change.

Functional adaptation of the infant craniofacial system to mechanical loadings arising from masticatory forces.

The morphology and biomechanics of infant crania undergo significant changes between the pre- and post-weaning phases due to increasing loading of the masticatory system. The aims of this study were to characterize the changes in muscle forces, bite forces and the pattern of mechanical strain and stress arising from the aforementioned forces across crania in the first 48 months of life using imaging and finite element methods. A total of 51 head computed tomography scans of normal individuals were collected and analysed from a larger database of 217 individuals. The estimated mean muscle forces of temporalis, masseter and medial pterygoid increase from 30.9 to 87.0 N, 25.6 to 69.6 N and 23.1 to 58.9 N, respectively (0-48 months). Maximum bite force increases from 90.5 to 184.2 N (3-48 months). There is a change in the pattern of strain and stress from the calvaria to the face during postnatal development. Overall, this study highlights the changes in the mechanics of the craniofacial system during normal development. It further raises questions as to how and what level of changes in the mechanical forces during the development can alter the morphology of the craniofacial system.

Assessment of various treatment techniques in restoring articulatory balance in the mastication center of occlusion

In clinical practice, due to various factors, we are facing patients with few teeth left in the lower jaw, often without any perspective. As a result of the reduced load capacity, they are loosened and can be completely lost. On the other hand, prosthodontics has a great potential for a unique implant - prosthetic rehabilitation. The goal is to preserve the alveolar ridge and slow down its resorption. With the advancement of the technology, conventional dentures are being replaced with more sophisticated therapeutic methods, such as modern prosthodontic superstructures. One of the latest solutions for this problem is the application of the Brånemark system (Nobel Biocare). These restorations that are applied represent a multi-unit system of implants and one hybrid prosthesis. This represents a mobile prosthetic suprastructure, which can be fixed with specific attachments on 4 implants. This combination of placement of a hybrid prosthetic structure on 4 implants is known as „all on four“. There are many discussions and writings about this multidisciplinary concept in the professional world. Over these 4 implants, a suprastructure with maximum 12 teeth can be immediately placed. The prosthetic construction circularly covers the entire toothless mandibular ridge. The data obtained from the patients show difference in the development of the bite force in the mastication center. The results have also shown a better quality of life in patients using a hybrid denture compared to the conventional prosthetic rehabilitation

Relationships between oral function, dietary intake and nutritional status in older adults aged 75 years and above: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalnutrition is related to impaired oral health and function that causes poor dietary intake, declining the general health of older adults. The role of dietary intake in the association between oral function and nutritional status of Chinese older adults (aged 75 and above) was examined in this cross-sectional study.MethodsThrough the randomized cluster sampling method, 267 older adults living in rural areas of Qingdao, Shandong (aged 81.4 ± 4.3, 75–94 years) were chosen as the primary research participants. A Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form was used to determine nutritional status, and Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24-hour Food Intake Recall were used to assess dietary intake. The oral function was evaluated by analyzing the teeth, oral problems, bite force, tongue pressure, lip sealing pressure, chewing function questionnaire, whole saliva flow rate, 10-Item Eating Assessment Tool, and water swallow test.ResultsBased on the MNA-SF score, it was divided into a well-nourished group and a malnutrition group, with the malnutrition group comprising 40.6% of participants. The participants in the malnutrition group showed a higher rate of xerostomia, lower bite force, tongue pressure, and lip sealing pressure, and higher Chewing Function Questionnaire and 10-Item Eating Assessment Tool scores. Furthermore, their plant fat, iron, cereals and potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and seafood intake were relatively low. The regression model indicated that exercise frequency, stroke, chewing and swallowing function, intake of vegetables and fruits were risk factors for nutritional status of older adults.ConclusionMalnutrition was relatively common among the Chinese older adults aged 75 and above, and it was significantly correlated with exercise frequency, stroke, chewing and swallowing function, and intake of vegetables and fruits. Therefore, nutrition management should be carried out under the understanding and guidance of the oral function and dietary intake of the older adults.

Effects of Occlusal Contact on Maxillary Alveolar Bone Morphology in Patients with and without Anterior Open Bite: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Anterior open bite (AOB) is characterized by the absence of occlusal contact between the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, while the posterior teeth are in contact when occluded. Here, we aimed to clarify the difference in maxillary alveolar bone morphology in adult patients with and without AOB. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 adults aged 18-39 years: 25 patients without AOB (control group; 13 males and 12 females; age: mean ± standard deviation [SD], 22.2 ± 4.5 years) and 25 patients with AOB (9 males and 16 females; age: 24.2 ± 6.4 years). Using cone-beam computed tomography images, the height of the maxillary alveolar bone crest in the anterior and posterior teeth and thickness of the alveolar cortical bone on the labial and palatal sides were measured and compared between the two groups. An independent t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to examine statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: The AOB group showed a significantly longer (p = 0.016) posterior alveolar crest and thinner cortical bone on the buccal (p < 0.001) and lingual (p = 0.009) sides of the anterior region and the buccal (p = 0.006) sides of the posterior region than the control group did. Moreover, a significant negative correlation (p = 0.046; r = -0.403) was observed between bite force and cortical bone thickness on the buccal side of the posterior region in the AOB group. Conclusions: It is suggested that the absence of occlusal contact in the anterior area influences the alveolar bone morphology of the maxilla.

Laboratory Validation of a Novel Indigenously Developed Bite Force Measuring Device.

It is critical to measure the maximum voluntary bite force of patients receiving restorative dentistry. A new device known as "BYTE" has been developed indigenously to measure bite force in humans. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the BYTE device's consistency and accuracy in a lab setting. Testing and calibration were done in the laboratory. The calibration machine with load cell pressed the biting part of the device with various forces from 3 N to 444 N in 3 N increments for two to three seconds each. The recorded force value in Newton by the device was noted down. At numerous standard loads, the minimum accuracy error is 0.333 N, while the maximum is 1.667 N. It marginally underestimates the load with an average accuracy error of 0.833 N. The calibration report showed that the BYTE device is precise and reliableand can be used to measure maximum bite force.

Mandibular overdenture with a single implant in the canine region (c-SIMO): a feasibility study

ObjectivesThe aim of this multi-center pilot study was to assess the viability and feasibility of a novel treatment concept – the canine-positioned single implant mandibular overdenture (c-SIMO), with the single implant placed on the patient's preferred chewing side instead of the midline.Materials and methodsParticipants received a single implant in the canine region of their preferred chewing side, based on an Asymmetry Index observed during mastication. The pre-existing mandibular denture was transformed into a c-SIMO on a spherical attachment. The primary outcome was oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), measured with GOHAI and OHIP-EDENT. Secondary outcomes included denture satisfaction index (DSI), chewing efficiency (CE), maximum bite force (MBF), implant survival and success, and prosthetic maintenance. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate comparison tests.ResultsFifteen participants received the c-SIMO treatment (mean age: 69.9 ± 7.0). Implant success and survival rates were 100% at 1 year. Patient-reported outcome measures improved significantly compared to pre-treatment values (OHIP-EDENT: p = 0.001; DSI: p = 0.001; GOHAI: p = 0.002). Masticatory outcomes also improved significantly (CE: p = 0.001; overall MBF: p = 0.005). Post-implant, MBF was significantly higher in the ipsilateral side compared to the contralateral side at 2 weeks (p = 0.019) and 3 months (p = 0.015), but no longer at T3 (p = 0.730). Common prosthodontic events included denture base adjustments (n = 17) and matrix activation (n = 9).ConclusionsThis pilot study concludes that c-SIMO is a promising treatment option, and a potential alternative to the single midline implant overdenture.Clinical relevanceThe novel treatment concept of a canine-positioned single implant mandibular overdenture could be a viable treatment alternative to the midline positioning.