EVALUATION OF BITE FORCES IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS
Keywords:
Bite Force adults, Isometric Force, Tooth ClenchAbstract
Introduction : Bite forces remain as one of the functional indicator of the efficacy of the masticatory system in craniomandibular biomechanics.
Aim : The present study was designed to evaluate the bite forces in a group of healthy young individuals with complete permanent dentition and the factors influencing the biting efficiency such as dental region, sex of the individuals.
Materials and Methods : The present study was conducted in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Sreepuram, Narketpally, Nalgonda, Telangana. A total of 110 healthy young individuals ( 75 females and 35 males) of age 19-35 years were selected for the study with full complement of permanent dentition and Angles class I occlusion. Bite force measurements were taken using a bite force transducer in incisor region, Right and left molar region and the readings were statistically analysed.
Results : Upaired t- test showed that there was a significant difference between the means of bite force values among male and female groups (p < 0.001) with males having higher mean values than females. The overall mean maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) value in the incisor, first molars on right side and on the left side were found to be 10.66±4.89 kg, 38.53 ± 11.05 kg, 40.13±12.41 kg respectively.
The mean MVBF value of females in the incisor, first molars on right side and on the left side were found to be 9.51±4.28 kg, 34.87 ± 7.31 Kg, 35.94±7.86 kg respectively.
The mean MVBF value of males in the incisor, first molars on right side and on the left side were found to be 17.62±5.13 kg, 46.38 ± 13.33 Kg, 49.10±15.16 kg respectively.
Conclusion : Bite forces can be utilised as one of the functional indicator for muscular efficiency. The maximum voluntary bite force are significantly higher in males than in females. Significantly larger forces were generated in molar region with symmetrical distribution between right and left side of the arch.
