Molar Occlusion Research Articles

Relationship between oral and nutritional status of older residents with severe dementia in an aged care nursing home.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the oral and nutritional status of older residents with dementia in an aged care nursing home. Insufficient oral evaluation and care due to refusal of treatment in older people with dementia may cause deterioration in oral and nutritional status. The subjects were 123 older residents with dementia who had been admitted to an aged care nursing home. Oral condition and body mass index (BMI) as a measure of nutritional status were investigated, and the results for the mild and severe dementia groups were compared. BMI was compared by the food consistency between the mild and severe dementia groups. In the severe dementia group, fewer older adults had removable dentures and many had no molar occlusion. The rate of subjects who had refused oral care by the caregivers was significantly higher in the severe dementia group than in the mild dementia group. In the severe dementia group, the BMI of those having texture-modified foods was significantly lower than those having a normal diet. The BMI of subjects without molar occlusion and with a history of cerebrovascular disease was significantly lower in the severe dementia group. The BMI of subjects in the severe dementia group having texture-modified food was significantly lower than that of those with a normal diet. The BMI of subjects in the severe dementia group without molar occlusion was significantly lower than those with molar occlusion.

Dental and Craniofacial Characteristics in Patients With 14Q22.1-Q22.2 Deletion: A Case Series.

This case series is a follow-up report focusing on dental and facial characteristics in patients with a rare microdeletion in chromosome 14q22.1-q22.2. Usually, these patients have severe ocular, brain, and digital abnormalities. However, this case series shows that clinical presentation can be mild. Four relatives spanning 3 generations were diagnosed with a familial autosomal dominant 2.79 Mb microdeletion in chromosome 14q22.1-q22.2. Genetic screening was done by the Bacterial Artificial Chromosome array-comparative genome hybridization and was confirmed by the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique. Dental and craniofacial data were collected from medical files, clinical examinations, clinical photos, panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, and dental casts. Written informed consent for scientific use was obtained for all family members. No larger syndrome could be identified. All cases had similar facial red flag characteristics, consisting of a long face with retrognathia and open mouth relation, associated oral clefts in varying degrees, depressed nasal bridge, delayed tooth development, hypertelorism, and low-set angular ears. The dental casts showed a distal molar occlusion and a lack of space in the dental arches. Developmental delay was noted together with limb defects such as poly- and syndactyly. Microphthalmia and hearing loss were present in the most severe cases. This rare congenital disorder, associated with facial dysmorphia, oral clefts, and tooth agenesis, can remain undiagnosed until adulthood. A family history of short stature, developmental delay, poly- or syndactyly, and micropthalmia are suggestive features. Similar reports help to raise awareness among dental practitioners, leading to an early genetic diagnosis.

Does Masticatory Ability Contribute to Nutritional Status in Older Individuals?

Mastication plays a primary role in the process of eating. Hence, compromised masticatory ability may affect the nutrition and quality of life, which are particularly important concerns among older individuals. It remains unclear how is the masticatory ability assessed regarding the nutritional status. We examined the effect of various oral factors on three masticatory ability tests conducted among older individuals. A total of 100 older individuals were enrolled in this study. Body mass index (BMI) as an indicator of nutritional status; and age, sex, and the number of occlusal and molar occlusal supports as clinical attributes were recorded. Three masticatory ability tests (masticatory efficiency, masticatory score, and satisfaction with mastication) were conducted, and tongue pressure, cheek pressure, and occlusal force were assessed as oral functions. A significant but weak correlation was found between masticatory efficiency and the masticatory score, but not between masticatory efficiency and satisfaction score. Objective masticatory efficiency was strongly associated with objective oral factors, whereas subjective assessments of masticatory ability (masticatory score and satisfaction score) were not. Furthermore, BMI was significantly associated with subjective assessments of masticatory ability but not with objective masticatory efficiency. Both subjective and objective assessments of masticatory ability, along with considerations of nutritional formulations, are required for the maintenance and improvement of nutritional status in older individuals.

SALIVARY DIAGNOSTICS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN DIAGNOSIS OF COVID19

The conventional treatment for vertical maxillary excess due to Skeletal class II base, is surgical reduction and rigid fixation which has decreased patient acceptance. However, intrusion of some selected MVE cases can be achieved with minimal intervention using mini plate anchorage, thus expediting and simplifying their management. A 15 year old female patient came with a complaint of forwardly placed teeth in the upper front tooth region of the jaw. Intraoral examination showed class II molar occlusion on both sides with increased overjet and overbite. The cephalometric analysis showed class II skeletal relationship with vertical maxillary excess. The treatment plan included Fixed appliance with extraction of 14,24,35, then miniplates and miniimplant assisted anterior maxillary retraction and intrusion. At the end of the treatment anterior maxillary retraction and intrusion was achieved. Thus the hypothesis was accepted as retraction and intrusion using mini plates is an easy, efficient, safe and cost- effective option in the management of VME. It is less invasive with acceptable clinical and radiographic outcome, while avoiding surgery under GA with its risk and complication. Careful case selection is needed for achieving satisfactory result and smile.

An investigation of tooth loss factors in elderly patients using panoramic radiographs.

The aim of this study was to observe the dental condition in a group of elderly patients over a period of 10years in order to clarify important risk factors. Participants were elderly patients (in their eighties) who took panoramic radiographs between 2015 and 2016, and for whom panoramic radiographs taken around 10year earlier were also available. The number of remaining and lost teeth, the Eichner Index, the presence or absence of molar occlusion, the respective condition of dental pulp, dental crowns, alveolar bone resorption, as well as periapical lesions were investigated through the analysis of panoramic radiographs. Additionally, other important variables were collected from patients' medical records. From the obtained panoramic radiograph sets, the patients' dental condition was investigated, and a systematic comparison was conducted. The analysis of the panoramic radiographs showed that the number of remaining teeth decreased from an average of 20.8-15.5, and the percentage of patients with 20 or more teeth decreased from 69.2 to 26.9%. A factor analysis investigating tooth loss risk suggested that tooth loss was associated with the bridge, P2 or greater resorption of the alveolar bone, and apical lesions, and gender (with males having a higher risk compared to females). Teeth showing P2 or greater alveolar bone resorption, bridge, and apical lesions on panoramic radiographs are most likely to be lost in an elderly patient's near future. Consequently, this group should be encouraged to visit their dental clinics regularly and receive comprehensive instruction on individual self-care methods.

Avaliação da distância intercaninos e sua correlação com as más oclusões

O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a correlação entre a distância intercaninos e as más oclusões. Tratou-se de um estudo observacional e prospectivo, cujos dados foram coletados de 110 documentações ortodônticas e modelos de estudo, de pacientes entre 12 e 35 anos. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, sexo, padrão racial, relação molar de Angle, más oclusões e distância intercaninos. Os dados foram anotados em formulário específico e distribuídos em tabelas, onde aplicou-se a estatística analítica através dos testes t Student e ANOVA (p<0,05). Os resultados foram os seguintes: a média de idade foi de 17,7 anos; a maioria da amostra foi do sexo feminino (58,7%) e de feodermas (43,6%). A relação de Classe I apresentou maior frequência (46,4% direita; 49,1% esquerda) e a má oclusão mais prevalente foi o apinhamento dentário (67,7%). As médias das distâncias intecaninos foram: 33,98mm, para a arcada superior e 26,11mm para a interior. A distância intercaninos na arcada superior de homens, foi estatisticamente maior que nas mulheres; assim como os arcos inferiores de jovens de 12 a 20 anos, foram maiores do que os de adultos de 21 a 35 anos. Concluiu-se que não houve correlação significativa entre a distância intercaninos e as más oclusões.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUE FOR ANTERIOR MAXILLARY RETRACTION & INTRUSION - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON A CASE WITH 1 YEAR FOLLOW-UPSALIVARY

The conventional treatment for vertical maxillary excess due to Skeletal class II base, is surgical reduction and rigid fixation which has decreased patient acceptance. However, intrusion of some selected MVE cases can be achieved with minimal intervention using mini plate anchorage, thus expediting and simplifying their management. A 15 year old female patient came with a complaint of forwardly placed teeth in the upper front tooth region of the jaw. Intraoral examination showed class II molar occlusion on both sides with increased overjet and overbite. The cephalometric analysis showed class II skeletal relationship with vertical maxillary excess. The treatment plan included Fixed appliance with extraction of 14,24,35, then miniplates and miniimplant assisted anterior maxillary retraction and intrusion. At the end of the treatment anterior maxillary retraction and intrusion was achieved. Thus the hypothesis was accepted as retraction and intrusion using mini plates is an easy, efficient, safe and cost- effective option in the management of VME. It is less invasive with acceptable clinical and radiographic outcome, while avoiding surgery under GA with its risk and complication. Careful case selection is needed for achieving satisfactory result and smile.

Cranial Parameters Assessment of Open Bite with Short Upper Anterior Facial Height

Aims: The aims of this study are planned to evaluate the cranial base parameters of the short upper anterior facial height of open bite occlusion and compare them with the normal occlusion. Materials and Methods: The total sample of this study was 48 cases, divided into 12 case for each male and female of the normal class 1 molar occlusion and short upper facial height with open bite cases. The age of the patients was ranged between 13-15 years. A lateral cephalometric radiograph film was taken. All the cephalometric x-rays were analyzed to evaluate the cranial parameters and the upper anterior facial height. The data subjected to statistical analysis by using student t-test to distinguish the significant differences at 0.05 level for the short upper anterior facial height and to record the cranial parameters of the sample. Results: The comparison of the cranial parameters between the normal and open bite occlusions , the male expressed no significant difference ( at 0.05 level ) in the parameters except the liner (S-Ar) and the angular (N-S-Ba, N-S-Po and N-S-Co).While the female displayed no significant difference (at 0.05 level) in parameters except (N-S-Ba and N-S-Po angles). Conclusions: The short upper anterior facial height with anterior open bite case has influences on the cranial base development especially on (S-Ar, N-S-Ba, N-S-Po and N-S-Co).

Occlusional Modifications Reversibly Alter Aquaporin 5 Expression and Localization in Rat Salivary Glands.

BackgroundAquaporin 5 (AQP5) is a water channel–forming protein that plays a key role in saliva secretion. A decrease in masticatory function associated with the molar extraction adversely affects the submandibular salivary gland (SMG) in rats, inducing hypertrophic changes in the acinar cells and the expression of AQP5 in acinar cells or intercalated duct of the SMG. However, changes in AQP5 expression and localization in the SMG in association with occlusal modification have not been fully characterized.MethodsWe examined the influence of the decline and recovery of masticatory function on expression and localization of AQP5 in the rat SMG by inserting and removing an incisor bite plate (IBP). Thirty 5-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into IBP (n = 12), recovery (REC) (n = 6), and control (CON) (n = 12) groups. Each rat in both the IBP and REC groups was fitted with the IBP on its maxillary incisors. Rats without the IBPs served as controls. All rats were fed powder diet and water ad libitum. Rats in the IBP and CON groups were sacrificed after 14 (n = 6) and 28 (n = 6) days after the IBP attachment. In the REC group, the IBP was detached on the 14th day and sacrificed on 28th day after the IBP attachment. AQP5 mRNA expression was quantified by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the localization of AQP5 were tracked by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsAttachment of IBP resulted in a decrease in the expression of AQP5 in the IBP group. Changes in the localization of AQP5 were observed between 14 and 28 days in the IBP group. In contrast, changes in the expression and localization of AQP5 were not observed in the REC group.ConclusionFindings suggested that a loss of molar occlusion, due to the IBP attachment, altered AQP5 expression and localization in the rat SMG. However, removal of the bite plate allowed the recovery of both AQP5 expression and its normal localization in the SMGs.

Mid-sagittal Facial Soft Tissue Depth and Angular Facial Height – A Comprehensive Study

Abstract Background Craniofacial dimensions and facial soft tissue depths help forming the overall appearance of the face. Little is known about their dynamics with respect to facial growth and angular facial height. Aim This study determines correlation of the mid-sagittal facial soft tissue thicknesses with cephalic angulations and their changes with age and sex. Materials and Methods Ninety lateral cephalograms were collected and divided into three age groups. Image J ®software (version 1.50) was used for analysis. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS software® (version 20.0). Results Thicknesses at the mid-sagittal points exhibited sexual dimorphism. There was significant difference in facial soft tissue thicknesses among the age groups. Significant difference in the lower lip region was found with Angle's class III molar occlusion. Soft tissue depths had significant positive correlation with age. Angular facial height presented strong negative correlation with age. Conclusion There is a strong inverse correlation between facial soft tissue thickness in the midline and angular facial height

Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion to Correct Maxillary Transverse Deficiency.

Background:Transverse maxillomandibular discrepancies are widespread. Treatment is comprised of orthodontic expansion in patients younger than 15 years or by surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) in skeletally mature patients where the possibility of successful orthodontic maxillary expansion decreases as sutures close and resistance to mechanical forces increases.Aim:To present our experience of treating transverse maxillary deficiency using a unique L-shaped osteotomy and to demonstrate stable results.Patients and Methods:32 patients aged between 19 and 54 years exhibiting transverse maxillary deficiency. L-shaped osteotomy was performed laterally from the pterygoid plate posteriorly to above the roots of the second incisive anteriorly continuing with a vertical osteotomy between the lateral incisive and canine teeth toward the horizontal osteotomy. In 18 patients with dysgnathia, bimaxillary surgery was performed one year following the SARPE procedure.Results:Mean transverse maxillary expansion of 6.2mm at the canine incisal and 6.4mm at the first molar occlusal regions were obtained. One year postoperatively results were relatively stable, 5.8mm and 6.2mm respectively. The SARPE procedure resulted in overcoming the maxillary buttress resistance, expansion of the anterior dental arch and bilateral distraction creating bone on both sides of the premaxilla contributing to better alignment of the anterior teeth and superior stability.Conclusions:We conclude that SARPE is an effective and stable method for addressing severe maxillary transverse discrepancy in adults while the unique osteotomy performed allowed for maintaining proper position of the premaxilla and maxillary midline and allowing for division of the newly created bone bilaterally thus resulting in a more stable outcome.

Dental side effects of long-term obstructive sleep apnea therapy: a 10-year follow-up study.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are usually treated with either mandibular advancement device (MAD) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The objective of this study is to evaluate changes in dental occlusion associated with long-term MAD and CPAP therapy. Data from 14 OSA patients using MAD and 17 OSA patients using CPAP therapy were evaluated at baseline, 2-year and 10-year follow-up. Changes in dental occlusion were analyzed from dental plaster casts with a digital sliding caliper. At 2-year follow-up, MAD therapy resulted in significant dental changes when compared with baseline values. In MAD therapy, overjet and overbite decreased with 1.1 ± 1.8mm and 1.1 ± 1.2mm respectively. With CPAP therapy overjet and overbite decreased significantly with 0.2 ± 0.5mm and 0.3 ± 0.5mm, respectively. Both groups also showed significant changes in molar occlusion. After a 10-year follow-up, significant and more pronounced changes were seen in overjet and overbite. In MAD therapy, overjet and overbite decreased with 3.5 ± 1.5mm and 2.9 ± 1.5mm respectively when compared with baseline values. In CPAP therapy, overjet and overbite decreased with 0.7 ± 1.5mm and 0.8 ± 1.4mm respectively when compared with baseline values. This study demonstrates that MAD and CPAP therapy result in significant changes in dental occlusion. These changes appear progressive and more pronounced with MAD compared to CPAP therapy. Long-term OSA treatment results in significant dental side effects that may progress over time. Informed consent is fundamental before starting MAD treatment and individualized long-term follow-up is of eminent importance.

Progression of Active Microcavitated Carious Lesions on Primary Molar Occlusal Surfaces

Progression of Active Microcavitated Carious Lesions on Primary Molar Occlusal Surfaces

A 15-year follow up of an orthodontic treatment including a lower incisor extraction and keeping the maxillary canine-premolar transposition.

Lower incisor extraction is an effective option for treating lower anterior crowding in patients with a good facial profile, Class I molar occlusion, and narrow upper incisors. This report describes the successful treatment of an adolescent patient with lower anterior crowding and a transposed maxillary canine and premolar treated by extracting a lower incisor and keeping the transposed positions of the teeth. With the use of retainers, treatment results were stable up to the 2-year postretention visit. However, upon a 15-year postretention appointment, the fixed retainer had been removed and the removable retainer was no longer in use, which resulted in relapse of lower anterior alignment. Moreover, the transposed canine had extruded during this period, causing occlusal interference and gingival recession, as well as loss of tooth vitality, which indicates the importance of maintaining orthodontic retainers for long-term stable occlusion.

S12-04 SESSION 12: FACIOCRANIOSYNOSTOSIS – PART II INFLUENCE OF MONOBLOC/LEFORT III DISTRACTION ON THE DEVELOPING POSTERIOR MAXILLARY DENTITION AND ITS RESULTANT EFFECT ON ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY.

Introduction: Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis often undergo midface advancements with distraction, such as a Lefort III or Monobloc, while posterior maxillary dental formation is ongoing which may indirectly damage developing tooth buds. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dental development of the posterior maxilla after monobloc or lefort III and its clinical implications on orthognathic surgery. Methods: We evaluated the medical records and imaging (CT +/- Panorex) of all syndromic craniosynostosis patients treated at our institution from 1999–2018. Those patients without at least 1 year follow-up, incomplete medical records, or incomplete imaging were excluded from the study. Those patients who also underwent orthognathic surgery between 2014–2018 were also reviewed. Statistical comparisons of demographic, procedural, dental status and imaging data were performed. Results: 90 patients underwent midface advancement during the study period and 32 met the inclusion criteria. Average age of surgery was 7.2years. 65% (21/32) had radiographic evidence of posterior maxillary dental pathology. Increased age at time of surgery was significantly correlated with a decreased risk of dental injury (p=0.034, OR=0.55) (see attached graph). Damage to either second or third maxillary molar was significantly associated with a younger age at time of surgery (p=0.021 and p=0.034), and surgery at age seven and above trended towards being protective of the posterior maxillary dentition (Fischer exact p=0.074). There was no significant age relationship with time of surgery and injury to the first molar (p=0.173). 5 patients, average age of 17 years old, who had a previous monobloc/lefort III distraction underwent orthognathic surgery between 2014–2018. All needed adjunctive oral surgery procedures involving posterior maxillary teeth (extractions, dental exposure, anchorage of maxillary molars), and all have at least one quadrant with only first molar or no molar occlusion. Pre-orthognathic surgery orthodontics averaged 38.6 months. Conclusion: Monobloc and Lefort 3 distraction for syndromic craniofacial patients has obvious functional benefits. Early intervention is significantly associated with injury to the growing posterior maxillary dentition, and waiting until at least age 7 trends towards being protective. Damage to developing permanent maxillary molars may affect timing of orthodontic management and treatment planning for orthognathic surgery.

Assessment of Oral Function and Proper Diet Level for Frail Elderly Individuals in Nursing Homes Using Chewing Training Food.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the ability to press Process Lead (PL) in the oral cavity and the tongue pressure and recommended diet form for elderly individuals in nursing homes, using PL normalized physical properties. Cross-sectional observation study. Geriatric facilities. A 100 elderly individuals aged between 67-96 years. PL was pressed between the tongue and palate to evaluate its deformation. The thickness was set at 6, 9, and 18 mm. The tongue pressure was measured with a JMS tongue pressure manometer. The number of chewing cycles until an 18-mm thick PL was first swallowed was measured (PL chewing test). The diet was set to level 4, and the recommended form was evaluated by video endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (VE). The results of the PL pressing test and correlations between PL chewing test, tongue pressure, and diet level were statistically examined. The tongue pressure was significantly decreased in groups that could not press the PL. The PL pressing test and recommended diet form showed a significant correlation, and the elderly with difficulty in pressing the PL had a lower diet level. In addition, the diet level decreased with decreased PL chewing test performance in those without molar occlusion. The PL pressing and chewing tests may aid in ascertaining the appropriate diet level. In the future, we would like to verify the usefulness of these tests in determining the diet level of elderly people requiring long-term care at the time of entering the facility.

The Primary Canine – Molar Occlusal Relationship in 5 to 6 Years Old Boys in Rass City, Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia

Aim: To assess primary canine and molar occlusion in children 5 to 6 years of age in Rass city, Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional design to include 296 Saudi boys aged 5 to 6 years in Rass city, Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The sample was selected randomly from Primary schools utilizing a stratified cluster sampling approach. Each participant was assessed for an occlusal relationship for primary molars using the criteria of Baume and for primary canines using the criteria of Foster & Hamilton. The correlation between primary canine and molar relationship was assessed using chi-square test and pResults: A total of 296 male children were examined. About 57.4% had flush terminal plane, 36.8% mesial step and 5.7% distal step relationship. Class I canine relationship was observed in 80.7 % of cases while 7.77% and 12.16% of children had class II and class III relationship respectively. Flush terminal plane relationship coincided with class I canine in 67.5% of the children examined. Mesial step was associated with class III canine relationship in 83.3% and distal step with class II canine relationship in 47.8% of the cases. The relationship between molar and canine tooth occlusion in primary dentition was highly significant at pConclusion: A flush terminal plane relationship in primary molars and class I relationship in primary canines were the most common among 5 to 6 years old Saudi boys.

Envisioning Post-treatment Occlusions after Space Closure Using Temporary Skeletal Anchorage Devices.

Missing posterior teeth and posterior tooth extractions are commonly seen and needed within orthodontic practices. With the invention of temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs), clinicians can now effectively close posterior tooth spaces. Various molar occlusions are discussed to help clinicians envision post-treatment occlusions after posterior teeth space closure using TSADs.

Periodontal Status of the Adjacent Second Molar after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgical Extraction.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in periodontal status of the adjacent second molar of the impacted mandibular third molar after surgical extraction and its association with the third molar condition in the presurgical stages, including position, eruption level, and local complications.Materials and Methods:The study was based on a 6-month follow-up of 38 patients (19 males and 19 females; Mean age: 21.89 ± 2.74) recruited consecutively after surgical extraction of an impacted lower third molar. The third molar's presurgical position, eruption level, and local complications were examined. Periodontal status, including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP), of the teeth in the adjacent sextant was clinically evaluated. The pocket depth (PD) and the distance between the epithelial attachment and the adjacent second molar's occlusal surface were clinically measured; and the distance between the alveolar bone crest and cementoenamel junction (AC–CEJ) of the adjacent second molar was evaluated by the periapical film. All measures were recorded at the time of surgery and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.Results:The values of PI, GI, BOP, PD, and EA–OS were significantly reduced after 1, 3, and 6 months compared to baseline data. The AC–CEJ was decreased after 1 month but significantly increased after 3 and 6 months. Presurgical local complications of the impacted third molar mostly were significantly associated with the periodontal status of the adjacent sextant.Conclusion:There was a significant improvement of periodontal conditions of the second molar and adjacent sextant after impacted third molar surgery.

Alterations in the gustatory papillae after anterior bite plate insertion in growing rats.

OBJECTIVES:To determine whether the modification of dental occlusion, without molar extraction, affected the gustatory papillae located in the tongue of growing rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Five-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into an anterior bite plate (ABP) group and a control group. Under general anesthesia, ABPs were placed on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary incisors, while metal caps covered the mandibular incisal edges of the rats in the ABP group. The control group rats underwent a sham operation. The rats in both groups were euthanized 14 days after the procedure. The circumvallate papillae and taste buds were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods, and the fungiform papillae were observed and counted after immersion of the tongue in 1% methylene blue.RESULTS:Two weeks after ABP insertion and mandibular incisal cap placement, the gustatory papillae exhibited morphological and structural changes. The rats in the ABP group had exhibited significantly fewer fungiform papillae, and narrower circumvallate papillae, with greater trench depths, larger trench profile areas, smaller taste bud profile areas, lower ratios of the taste bud profile area to the trench profile area, and more taste buds than those in the control group.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings support the association between occlusal and taste functions and provide a basis for further studies on the gustatory function. In conclusion, loss of molar occlusion, resulting from the ABP and metal cap insertion, altered the peripheral gustatory receptors in the growing rats.