A Comparative Evaluation On Mandibular Movements Before And After Prosthodontic Treatment.

ABSTRACT

Background: The range of movements of mandible in Indian individuals was not studied to set a norm. The changes happening before and after prosthodontic treatment were also not studied. Aim: To determine the range of mandibular movements viz, protrusion, working side movement measured at mandibular first molar region both on the right and left sides while performing lateral excursions, non working movement measured at mandibular first molar region both on the right and left sides while performing lateral excursions, right lateral movement measured in the incisor region, left lateral movement measured in the incisor region, passive opening and active opening in normal individuals and prosthodontically treated individuals. To determine morphometric values such as intercondylar distance, distance between intercondylar axis and axis connecting mesioincisal angles of the mandibular central incisors, distance between intercondylar axis and axis connecting mesiobuccal cusps of the mandibular molars and inter mandibular molar distance related to mandible and mandibular arch of the individuals who served as sample in the above study. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on normal individuals and then on prothodontically treated individuals .The sample consisted of 160 normal individuals and 80 treated individuals. The normal individuals were divided into four according to age viz, Group I 21-30yrs, Group II 31-40yrs, Group III 41-50 yrs, Group IV 51-60 yrs. Similarly the treated individuals were divided into four according to type of treatment viz, Group A- Complete dentures, Group B-Removable partial dentures, Group C-Fixed partial dentures, Group D-single crowns. The morphometric and mandibular movement parameters were first measured in normal individuals and then in prosthodontically treated individuals with digital Vernier caliper directly and using putty index. Result and Conclusion: Conclusions drawn from the study are as follows A norm could be formulated both for morphometrics related to mandible and mandibular arch and for mandibular movements. The values obtained are relevant to individuals belonging to Bangalore and nearby areas. Opening and lateral movements can be measured directly in the incisal region using a pair of Vernier calipers. In order to measure the excursive movements in the posterior region and the protrusion in the anterior region, putty indices can be made which is a simple procedure that can be performed in a dental clinic. Prosthodontic treatment in general has a restrictive effect on mandibular movements. This observation has a limitation that the sample size is only 80. Mandibular movements can be reproduced in a computer using the graphic capabilities of coral draw. More precise data could be obtained if the inclusion of the treated individuals were restricted for the age.