Assessment Of Masticatory Function Research Articles

Masticatory Function in Stage IV Periodontitis Patients Treated with Fixed Prosthetic Rehabilitations: A Case Series.

The present study assessed the impact of a fixed prosthetic rehabilitation on masticatory function in patients diagnosed with stage IV periodontitis. Eligible participants were adults in need of complex rehabilitation due to masticatory dysfunction. Masticatory function was evaluated using the two-colored chewing gum mixing ability test (VOH) at the diagnostic phase (T0), 1 week after delivery of the prosthetic prototype (T1), and 1 week after delivery of the final prosthetic solution (T2). Ten subjects were treated with a fixed prosthesis following periodontal and implant surgery using an individualized, fully digital workflow. Full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level improved significantly. VOH was 0.472 ± 0.168 at T0, 0.358 ± 0.166 at T1, and 0.250 ± 0.123 at T2. A significant improvement in VOH was observed from T0 to T1 (difference: -0.114; 95% CI: -0.199 to -0.029; P = .014) and from T1 to T2 (difference: -0.108; 95% CI: -0.200 to -0.015; P = .027). From T0 to T2, VOH increased by 44.3%. Self-perceived assessment of masticatory function also improved from T0 to T2 (P = .002). The fixed prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with stage IV periodontitis allowed for a significant improvement in objective and subjective measurements of masticatory function.

Subjective and Objective Assessment of Chewing Performance in Older Adults with Different Dental Occlusion

Objectives: Satisfactory masticatory function is a significant indicator of improved oral health-related quality of life in older adults, either with or without artificial teeth. The purpose of this study was to examine masticatory performance of older adults with different prosthodontic reconstructions and occlusion, as well as to compare subjective and objective assessment of chewing performance. Material and Methods: This study included 100 participants aged 65 and more. The chewing function questionnaire (CFQ) with answers on the Likert scale 0–4 (0 = no difficulties; 4 = maximum difficulties) was used as an indicator of subjective masticatory assessment. The two-color chewing gum test was used as objective assessment of masticatory function (mixing ability), based on the Z-score values. Dental occlusion was assessed using functional teeth units (FTU). Results: The results obtained using the CFQ and the clinical mixing ability test are in compliance with each other (r = 0.742). A decrease in the number of natural teeth, especially posterior teeth, progressively reduced chewing ability and increased difficulties in mastication. Participants with less FTUs, or with FTUs that are a part of removable denture, had greater reduction in masticatory function compared to those with FTUs composed of natural teeth or fixed partial dentures. Conclusion: This study revealed a strong positive correlation between the subjective masticatory assessment in older adults using the validated questionnaire and the objective clinical test of the mixing ability of two chewing gums. Our data on influence of the number and the type of FTU on masticatory performance will be valuable when planning prosthodontic therapy.

Masticatory function evaluation methods: Critical analysis of selected literature

Objective: To identify the ideal and/or most suitable masticatory function assessment methodology or treatment for each group of patients. Material and Methods: A survey was carried out in the MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Embase databases for articles published since 1990. The articles were initially selected by their titles and abstracts, and after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, some were selected for full text reading. The studies were submitted to qualitative, quantitative, and bias analysis. Results: Of the 1,514 studies retrieved in the initial search, 51 were selected for complete analysis. Advantages of the test foods Optocal and Optosil included reliability and standardization capacity, while their disadvantages included high processing time and hardness. Wax was mentioned for its ease of chewing and testing speed, with the disadvantages of handling and the influence of temperature, in addition to low palatability. Chewing gum exhibited a speedy and easy way of testing, low cost, and reliability, in addition to commercial availability. Conclusion: Among the existing methodologies, those that were used in few studies or not validated require additional data, and for now, their indication is not recommended. Optocal and Optosil should be indicated for patients who do not have impaired chewing function. Chewing gum is a more suitable test food for patients with impaired chewing. Its practicality in being used in tests and evaluation of results makes it a more comprehensive indicator for different types of patients, treatments, or needs to assess masticatory function.

Quality of Life and Masticatory Function Assessment in a Patient with Immediate Alveolar Bone Reconstruction Using Particulate Cancellous Bone Marrow and Rehabilitation with Dental Implant: a Case Report

Quality of Life and Masticatory Function Assessment in a Patient with Immediate Alveolar Bone Reconstruction Using Particulate Cancellous Bone Marrow and Rehabilitation with Dental Implant: a Case Report

A Generalized Review Of Human-Computer Interaction Using Electromyogram Signals

Abstract: The primary use of human computer interaction is in smart home as well as in industry 4.0. Communication between computer and human can be benefitted by a spontaneous interchange of emotions. The objective of the work is to provide an idea regarding the process of identifying various emotions using facial electromyography signals through electrode placement method. Here one contemplated the facial electromyography on masticatory function assessment and emotional articulation monitoring. Furthermore, we have also presented the measurement of facial electromyography including selection of electrode, location of electrode and reduction of noise. Facial emotions have significant effect on cognitive process of the human brain such as doubt perception, ability to solve problems, learning capabilities, emotional interactions and memory which is beneficial while interacting with patients suffering from depression and stress. The patients are guided through their rehabilitation process by rehabilitation application while accustoming itself to patient’s emotional state or wellbeing, which results in high motivation as well as in a quicker. This review paper will motivate and inspire researchers and engineers for finding more suitable system for various applications.

Assessment of masticatory function in the differential diagnosis of Stage IV periodontitis: A pilot diagnostic accuracy study.

After diagnosis of periodontitis is made, detection of Stage IV cases is critical for appropriate management that may call for interdisciplinary care. This study aims to identify and assess the accuracy of a simple screening approach for practice and surveillance of Stage IV periodontitis. Masticatory function assessments by both validated self-reported masticatory dysfunction questionnaire and dual-color chewing gum mixing ability test (index test) were conducted in 214 consecutive patients, followed by a full-mouth periodontal examination. Periodontal diagnosis was based on the 2017 World Workshop classification of periodontal diseases (reference standard). Multivariate logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses were performed. Overall, the individual patient-reported masticatory dysfunction questions showed low to moderate accuracy for predicting Stage IV periodontitis. The objective measures of masticatory function by calculating the variance of hue from the chewing gum test performed better with an AUROC of 0.840. A diagnostic approach based on age, self-report of altered food type intake, and chewing gum test results exhibited excellent performance for predicting Stage IV periodontitis (sensitivity: 89.7%; specificity:76.3%; AUROC:0.912). Once the presence of periodontitis has been established, a simple diagnostic approach that does not require specialized workforce, complex, or lengthy assessment allows identification of patients with Stage IV periodontitis. This is important as these patients require specific case work up and interdisciplinary care pathways. Additional studies are required to validate the findings in multiple populations.

A randomized controlled trial to compare functional, combined rigid and functional and rigid fixation in double mandibular fractures

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the rigid fixation at one site and functional fixation at other site is enough in double mandibular fractures (DMF). The specific aim of the study was assessment of masticatory function on the basis of bite force and other clinical parameters. MethodsA prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients having DMF. The patients were randomized into 3 groups. Group-1, managed with 2-miniplates at anterior and 1-miniplate at posterior site, group-2 patients managed with one 2.4 mm reconstruction plate at anterior and 1-miniplate at posterior site and in group-3, both fractures were managed with 1-reconstruction plate. Primary outcome variable was bite force. Secondary outcome variables were type of fracture, pain, swelling, mobility between fracture segments, occlusal discrepancy, paresthesia, implant exposure/fracture. ResultsThe study sample included 60 (20 in each group) patients with mean age of 29.28 ± 12.35 years. Statistically significant difference was seen in bite force from preoperative to follow-up (p = 0.0) in all the groups. Difference in bite force was statistically significant between group 1 and 2 (p = 0.0) and group 1 and 3 (p = 0.0) at follow-up but the difference was statistically insignificant between group 2 and 3. ConclusionThe present study concludes that treatment of DMF with rigid fixation at one site and functional fixation at other fracture site provides enough fixation.

Developing a protocol for a preventive oral health exam for elderly people (EDePAM) using E-Delphi methodology.

The aim of this study was to develop a Preventive Oral Health Exam for Elderly People (EDePAM), using the e-Delphi technique, to diagnose oral health problems in people 65 or older. The e-Delphi technique was used with experts in multiple stages, and in a final workshop, where an agreement on an examination protocol was reached for diagnosing dental caries, oral mucosa lesions, periodontal diseases, and masticatory function disorders. Quantitative analyses of all the rounds of the e-Delphi method were conducted. It was agreed that the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) should be used together with a modified version of the Nyvad criteria to detect and assess caries lesions. It was also agreed that an assessment was needed of the different factors involved in determining caries risk, namely socioeconomic level, access to fluoride, level of dependence/functionality, salivary flow, history of head and neck cancer treatment, use of medications that decrease salivary flow, diet, use of removable dental prostheses, exposure of root surfaces, and caries history. Furthermore, patients would be required to undergo an examination of the oral mucosa, where any existing lesion should be described in terms of its clinical appearance, location, and risk potential. It was also agreed that an assessment of masticatory function should be performed using the Leake index, together with chewing-gum combined with a color scale to categorize masticatory performance. The number of pairs of occluding antagonist teeth was considered as the best predictor of masticatory function. The 2018 classification by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) / European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) was accepted as the standard to assess periodontal status, and it was agreed that this assessment should include an evaluation of clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing. The novel EDePAM was considered as appropriate for conducting a functional assessment of oral health by providing a comprehensive diagnosis of oral diseases.

Assessment of masticatory function in older individuals with bimaxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses or with a natural dentition: A case-control study

Statement of problemA clinical assessment of the masticatory performance of edentulous people treated with bimaxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses is lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this case-control study was to compare the masticatory performance of edentulous people treated with bimaxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses to that of those with a natural dentition by using a simplified comminution test with hard viscoelastic test food and a mixing ability test. Material and methodsThirty-six participants were recruited and divided into 2 equal groups (n=18) based on their dental status. The experimental group (7 women, mean ±standard deviation age=69.8 ±7.5 years) had bimaxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses, and the control group (9 women, mean ±standard deviation age=68.3 ±5.6 years) had a natural dentition. A hard viscoelastic food comminution test and a mixing ability test with 2-colored chewing gum were performed in both groups. The number and total area of the particles during the comminution test and the variance of hue during the mixing ability test were measured. The data were analyzed with the parametric (paired t test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney U) tests to assess differences between the groups (α=.05). ResultsThe experimental group exhibited significantly fewer pieces in the food comminution test than the control group (P=.001). The experimental group also showed significantly higher variance of hue values than the control group (P<.001). ConclusionsPatients treated with bimaxillary implant-supported prostheses had reduced masticatory performance in comparison to those with a natural dentition, despite having been provided with satisfactory and well-functioning prostheses.

Masticatory Function Assessment of Adult Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate After Orthodontic Treatment.

To determine whether orthodontically treated patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) possess a different masticatory function than those of untreated patients with normal occlusion. Occlusal contact area, occlusal force, as well as masseter and anterior temporal muscular activity were measured during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) tests. Mandibular left and right lateral movements during mastication were also assessed. To further elucidate the nature of masticatory function, especially to determine the rate of abnormal jaw movement patterns, a parametric error index (EI) was set. Finally, masticatory efficiency was evaluated with a glucose sensitive measuring device. Fifteen patients with CLP who had previously completed the orthodontic treatments required to achieve an acceptable and more harmonious occlusion accepted to volunteer in this study along with 21 untreated patients who already possessed a normal occlusion. Patients with CLP showed a significantly lower occlusal force, reduced occlusal contact area, and decreased masticatory efficiency as well as significantly higher EI value when compared with controls. However, there was no significant difference when analyzing muscle activity, although masticatory efficiency was significantly different between the 2 groups. Despite this result, the scores obtained by the patients with CLP in the masticatory efficiency tests were still in the normal range. Orthodontic treatment for adult patients with CLP provides a satisfactory result for the patients' masticatory ability albeit significantly less ideal compared with untreated patients with normal occlusion.

Masticatory Function and Nutritional Status in Brazilian Institutionalized Elders: Influence of Denture Use

Objective: To evaluate the influence of tooth loss and the use of removable dentures on chewing function and nutritional status of institutionalized elders . Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 155 elders from seven long-stay institutions in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. The participants were classified according to the presence of reminiscent teeth and use of dentures in four levels: toothless, without denture (1); toothless with a complete denture (2); partial toothless without denture (3) and partial toothless with a partial denture (4). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instrument and the Body Mass Index (BMI). Swallowing threshold was used for the assessment of masticatory function, using a portion of roasted peanuts (3.7 g). Comparisons among groups were performed using Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment, considering p 0.05) . Conclusion: The presence of reminiscent teeth and the use of dentures do not influence the nutritional status of the elders but interfere with the masticatory function. Prosthetic rehabilitation is desirable for complete toothless individuals.

The Association Between Masticatory Function Assessment and Masseter Muscle Thickness in the Elderly

The Association Between Masticatory Function Assessment and Masseter Muscle Thickness in the Elderly

APPLICATION OF OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION METHODS FOR MASTICATORY FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH MANDIBULAR OVERDENTURES

Appropriate chewing function is an important indicator of oral health, and masticatory efficiency assessment is one of the most objective methods of prosthetic treatment quality control.&#x0D; In the globe dental practice, static and dynamic chewing tests are still considered to be the main methods of masticatory function assessment. Thus, there is an extension of functionally-oriented clinical investigations base, which actualizes the importance of this work.&#x0D; The aim of the work was to evaluate the masticatory function of patients that use mandibular overdentures by studying the results of physiological masticatory test and self-assessment indicators of dental health associated with the use of dentures.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The clinical trials were carried out in two stages. At the first stage upon informed consent an examination of 20 student volunteers aged 18-22 years (control group -I) and 36 patients -17 women, 19 men (aged 57-76 years) with complete mandibular removable dentures (comparison group -II) was proceeded. Patients of the group I underwent physiological masticatory test with agar-agar samples formed according to UMSA method, patients of group II- masticatory test procedure and interview survey. The second stage was performed by the group III–42 persons –23 women, 19 men (aged 56-89 years) at 1, 6 and 12 months after mandibular dental arch restoration with complete removable overdentures, fixed by spherical attachments. Chewing efficiency was determined using masticatory physiological test and problem-oriented questionnaires. Video registration by Nikon Digital Camera D3200 was used to determine chewing time, number of movements and peculiarities of the mastication process.&#x0D; All patients of groups II and III in personal interview survey answered 6 questions about indicators of oral health connected with the use of dentures. Questions were formed according to European Oral Health Indicators (2005). Statistical data analysis was performed by standard statistics variation methods with Statistica 6.0 Program use.&#x0D; Results and discussion. All the parameters of physiological masticatory test: duration of chewing, group I 25,3±2,8 sec. group II 67,3±3,7 sec., group III 60.5±3.5 sec, number of chewing movements in group I was 58.3±4,8, in group II − 82.3±6.3, in group III − 68.8±3,4, samples mass loss: group I − ≤0,13(4,3%), group II − ≤0,21(7,0%), group III − ≤0,18(5,9%). Diminution Index obtained: group I − 1.85±0.5, group II – 3.33±0.7, group III – 2.48±0.5). Masticatory efficiency level in patients of the group III prevailed over group II by the respective parameters. Masticatory test video registration data analysis showed that the patients of group I diminished test samples with bilateral chewing pattern, as the majority of group II patients, while patients in group II employed combined— uni- and bilateral chewing pattern.&#x0D; According to the average values of the expression of all oral health-related questionnaire indicators: chewing difficulties - 2.67 ± 1.35 vs 0.50 ± 0.20*; excessive bite closure efforts - 1.19 ± 0.65 vs 0.57 ± 0.30*; limited food consumption 2.83 ± 1.35 vs 0.59 ± 0.30*; oral lesions 2.39 ± 1.20 vs 0.56 ± 0.30*; difficulty non-chewing movements 2.14 ± 1.05 vs 0.51 ± 0.30*; uncertainty about reaching treatment goals 2.06 ± 1.10 vs 0.66 ± 0.30*. A statistically significant (p &lt;0.05) difference in favor of group III was clearly demonstrated.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; &#x0D; The results of physiological masticatory test and patients interview survey indicated favorable adaptation process to mandibular overdentures with reestablished masticatory function restoration during 12 months of use.&#x0D; Masticatory efficiency and oral health indicators, connected with dental prostheses usage proved the appropriate quality level of prosthetic treatment in mandibular single remaining teeth-attended patients, using dentures fixed by spherical attachments.&#x0D;

Combined effect of poor appetite and low masticatory function on sarcopenia in community-dwelling Japanese adults aged≥75 years: A 3-year cohort study.

This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association of the combination of poor appetite (PA) and low masticatory function (LMF) with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. In total, 173 community-dwelling Japanese adults aged≥75years participated in the 3-year cohort study. Appetite assessment using the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and masticatory function assessment using spectrophotometric measurement of differences in gum colour before and after masticating colour-changeable chewing gum (ΔE*ab) were performed at baseline. SNAQ score of≤14 was defined as PA. The lowest tertile of ΔE*ab was defined as LMF. Follow-up examinations were administered annually over a 3-year period to determine sarcopenia incidence, which was defined by the criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of sarcopenia incidence according to the presence of PA and LMF were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. At baseline, 81 participants (46.8%) had neither PA nor LMF, 34 (19.7%) had PA alone, 35 (20.2%) had LMF alone, and 23 (13.3%) had both PA and LMF. On follow-up, 31 participants (17.9%) developed sarcopenia. After adjusting for covariates, the adjusted HR for sarcopenia in participants with both PA and LMF was 4.4 (95% confidence interval=1.6-12.2) compared with those without PA or LMF. PA or LMF alone was not significantly associated with sarcopenia development. Coexisting PA and LMF increase the risk of sarcopenia development among community-dwelling Japanese adults aged≥75years.

Assessment of masticatory function of mandibular implant-supported overdenture wearers: A 3-year prospective study

Statement of problemWearers of mandibular complete dentures (CDs) often complain of retention and stability problems resulting in poor masticatory function. Evidence suggests that a mandibular overdenture (MOD) stabilized by 2 implants represents the treatment of choice to improve stability and masticatory function. Measurements are needed of the improvement in masticatory function after providing mandibular implant-stabilized overdentures. PurposeThe purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the changes in masticatory function from baseline (T0) to 3 months (T1) and 3 years (T2) in participants with MODs and to assess the effect of baseline mandibular bone height and volume on masticatory function after 3 years. Material and methodsParticipants were assessed for masticatory function by using masticatory performance involving paraffin wax cubes as an objective measure and by using masticatory ability involving a questionnaire as a subjective measure. Edentulous individuals presenting for replacement dentures were provided with conventional mucosa-supported prostheses and evaluated for masticatory function after a 3-month settling-in period (baseline measure). Before implant placement, baseline measures of bone height and volume were recorded from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The prostheses were then converted to implant-stabilized mandibular overdentures while any maxillary prostheses remained supported by the mucosa. Masticatory function was reassessed at 3 months and 3 years after insertion of the mandibular overdentures, and the mean changes from baseline were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The effect of variables on masticatory function was determined by using multivariate linear regression analyses. ResultsA total of 23 participants were included in the study, with only 1 participant not completing the 3-year assessment. Significant improvement was observed in the masticatory performance (mixing ability index) (P<.01) and masticatory ability score (P<.001) from baseline to 3 months and baseline to 3 years. Bone height and volume had no significant effect on the improvement of masticatory function after conversion to an implant-stabilized mandibular overdenture. ConclusionsMasticatory function significantly improved after 3 months and was maintained over 3 years in participants with implant-stabilized mandibular overdentures. However, baseline bone height and volume had no significant effect on these changes in masticatory function after 3 years

Assessment of Masticatory Function in Oral Cancer Patients with Mandibulectomy Followed by Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction.

Mandibular resections have a dramatic effect on oral cavity functions. Ablative surgical defects are complex which are better reconstructed with free flaps. In developing countries like India, where majority of patients come from low socioeconomic status, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most preferred reconstructive option. A retrospective questionnaire study was carried out to assess the mastication in patients with mandibulectomy followed by pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. At the end of the study, it was observed that 86.6% of the patients had a good performance despite the lack of bony reconstruction. Thus, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap still stands strong in reconstructing large oral cavity defects.

Reliability of a new test food to assess masticatory function

ObjectiveThis study assessed the reliability and validity of masticatory function assessment using a new test food, Optozeta. DesignThirty-five adults participated in the cross-sectional clinical part of the study; ten of them performed a retest. They performed two free-style masticatory tests consisting of five trials of 20 cycles each chewing three pieces of Optosil or Optozeta placed in a latex bag. Optozeta was created by mixing 50% Optosil with 50% of Zetalabor. Masticatory performance, masticatory laterality and chewing rate were assessed. Reliability and construct validity were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman correlations, respectively. ResultsHigher ICC values were observed for each aspect of masticatory function as assessed using Optozeta compared with Optosil. All the participants showed a lower median particle size value using Optozeta than Optosil. For each masticatory parameter, a high correlation was observed between using Optosil or Optozeta. ConclusionsOptozeta seems to have good construct validity and appears to be more reliable than Optosil as a test food to assess masticatory function.

Factors affecting masticatory function of community-dwelling older people: Investigation of the differences in the relevant factors for subjective and objective assessment.

This study aimed to examine relevant factors for subjective and objective assessment of masticatory functions and elucidate any differences between the two methods. Previous studies have reported that the results of subjective and objective assessment of masticatory function in older people do not necessarily agree. This study included 487 community-dwelling Japanese older people (205 male and 282 female; mean age 74.1±6.3years) who participated in a comprehensive geriatric health examination. Basic information (gender and age), higher level of competence in daily living, depression, subjective masticatory function (SMF) and objective masticatory function (OMF) assessments, cognitive function, skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, gait speed and oral status (number of remaining and functional teeth, mouth dryness and occlusal force) were recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that depression (odds ratio [OR]: 1.181, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.094-1.275), mouth dryness (OR: 2.037, CI: 1.212-3.423) and occlusal force (OR: 0.997, CI: 0.996-0.999) were significantly associated with SMF, whereas higher level of competence in daily living (OR: 0.730 CI: 0.586-0.910), skeletal muscle mass (OR: 0.521 CI: 0.283-0.960), number of functional teeth (OR: 0.862 CI: 0.775-0.959), number of remaining teeth (OR: 0.868 CI: 0.810-0.930) and occlusal force (OR: 0.994, CI: 0.991-0.998) were associated with OMF. Subjective masticatory functionSMF and OMF were associated with different factors, suggesting that both mental and physical factors should be taken into consideration when treating decreased masticatory function.

Assessment of masticatory function in patients with non-sagittal occlusal discrepancies.

Non-sagittal occlusal discrepancies such as posterior cross-bite and anterior openbite are common types of malocclusion, but studies on masticatory function related to those malocclusions have been scarce. The aim of this study was to quantify the masticatory performance in patients with non-sagittal discrepancies compared to those with normal occlusion, using both objective and subjective measures. Maximum bite force and contact area using Dental Prescale(®) system as a static objective assessment, Mixing Ability Index (MAI) as a dynamic objective evaluation and food intake ability (FIA) as a subjective assessment were analysed from 21 people in normal occlusion (Group N) and 64 patients with posterior cross-bite (Group C), anterior openbite (Group O) or both (Group B). The differences of the maximum bite force, the contact area, the MAI and the FIA were compared, and their correlations were figured out. The non-sagittal malocclusion groups showed lower values in the maximum bite force, the contact area, the MAI and the FIA compared to those in the normal group (P < 0·0001). Compared to Group N, Groups C, O and B showed 61·5%, 42·1% and 40·1% of the maximum bite force, and 84%, 84% and 76% of hard food FIA, respectively. However, there were no significant differences among Groups C, O and B. The MAI showed higher correlation with the FIA (r = 0·38, P < 0·01), than with the maximum bite force and the contact area (both r = 0·24, P < 0·5). These results revealed that masticatory function in patients with non-sagittal discrepancies is significantly reduced both objectively and subjectively.

Assessment of Masticatory Function Using Bite Force Measurements in Patients Treated for Mandibular Fractures

Bite force measurements are excellent criteria for assessment of masticatory efficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of mandibular fractures on the bite forces of patients treated for such fractures. Patients who were surgically treated for isolated mandibular fractures in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from January 2006 to December 2007 were included in the study. Patients were asked to bite on a bite force transducer on the first, fourth, sixth, and ninth postoperative weeks. The bite force values were compared with those of age, sex, and weight-matched controls. A total of 60 patients were included in the study. It was found that maximum bite forces in patients were significantly less than in controls for several weeks after surgery. After the ninth postoperative week, the maximum bite force measured < 65% the normal in patients with isolated angle fractures and > 80% the normal in patients with isolated parasymphysis fractures. The same values reduced to < 60% in patients with fractures of angle and parasymphysis and < 70% in patients with fractures of parasymphysis and condylar complex. An inverse relationship was found between the bite force values and the number of fractures of the mandible. We also found lower bite forces and longer period for normalization in patients who had fractures in those regions of the mandible which are more significantly associated with the masticatory apparatus for example angle or condyle of the mandible.