Root resorption during maxillary molar intrusion with clear aligners: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare changes in maxillary molar root resorption, intrusion amount, dentoskeletal measures, and maximum bite force (MBF) between clear aligners (CA) and fixed appliances with miniscrew (FM) during molar intrusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adults with anterior open bite were randomized into either CA or FM groups. Lateral cephalograms, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and MBF were collected at pretreatment (T0) and 6 months of treatment (T1). Maxillary molar intrusion in FM were intruded by nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed-coil spring delivered force (150 grams/side) while clear aligners combined with squeezing exercise were performed in CA. Parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment, significant root resorption of 0.21-0.24 mm in CA and 0.38-0.47 mm in FM were found while maxillary molars were intruded 0.68 and 1.49 mm in CA and FM, respectively. CA showed significant less root resorption and intrusion than FM. Overbite, bite closing, and MBF increased significantly. CA showed significantly less overbite and SN-MP changes but more MBF increase than FM. MBF in CA was correlated with the amount of maxillary molar intrusion (r = 0.736, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary molar intrusion and root resorption in CA were half the amount in FM in 6 months. The amount of maxillary molar root resorption was one-third of the intrusion distance. CA displayed less overbite increase and bite closing but more MBF increase than FM. MBF in CA was positively correlated with the molar intrusion amount.

Improvements in Maximum Bite Force with Gum-Chewing Training in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

No specific methods have been officially proposed for the prevention and improvement of oral hypofunction. Therefore, in this randomized controlled trial, we aimed to develop a gum-chewing training program and determine its effects in older adults. A total of 218 older adults, aged 65-85 years, were randomly allocated to the intervention or control groups. The intervention group chewed the experimental gum daily, whereas the control group consumed the experimental granular food daily. The outcome assessments measured the maximum bite force, occlusal contact areas, oral dryness, tongue pressure, tongue and lip functions, masticatory function, and gum-chewing time. The measured values for each outcome were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test and within groups pre- and post-intervention using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 211 participants completed the study. After 2 months, the intervention group had a significantly higher maximum bite force than the control group (p = 0.01), indicating that gum-chewing training improved maximum bite force in older adults. This was determined using one type of bite force measuring device. Therefore, it is suggested that gum-chewing training has a high potential to improve oral hypofunction.

Bite Force Evaluation in Implant-Assisted Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Reconstructed Jaws Utilizing Vascularized Free Fibula Flap: A Retro-Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Maxillary and mandibular defects due to tumor ablation pose considerable challenges to the reconstructive surgeon and in prosthetic management. Dental implants placed in vascularized fibula free flaps are considered to be a dependable technique for prosthetic rehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients. Although, there is evidence of survival of dental implants in the reconstructed jaw bones, there is lack of information regarding the masticatory performance and prosthetic success. The maximum bite force achieved through the prosthetic appliance is a measure of the therapeutic outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum bite force achieved through implant-assisted prosthetic rehabilitation in reconstructed jaw bones utilizing vascularized free fibula flap. Methods: The study included a total of 65 implants, from 16 patients who underwent surgical resection of jaw bones due to benign tumors followed by rehabilitation with implant-assisted fixed or removable prosthesis. The maximum bite force was determined with a transducer. Occlusal interferences were analyzed with mounted casts. The parameters were reviewed every 3 months have T 0 marked the baseline assessment, and T 3, T 6, T 9, T 12, and T 15 were subsequent review periods. Results: The mean occlusal force was increased in most of the patients through 15 months (P < 0.01). The maximum bite force measured in the reconstructed mandible and maxilla were 225.63 N and 176.51 N, respectively. Occlusal interferences were absent in 68.8% of the study population. Conclusion: The bite force measured in reconstructed maxilla and mandible is comparable to the masticatory force measured with conventional implant supported prosthesis in native mandible and maxilla.

Changes in masticatory performance during the retention period following 4-premolar extraction and non-extraction orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in masticatory performance (MP) during the retention period after extraction and non-extraction treatment and compare it with MP in individuals with normal occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who had completed orthodontic fixed appliance treatment comprised the extraction and non-extraction treatment groups, and those with normal occlusion comprised the control group. Their mixing ability (MA), maximum bite force (MBF), and occlusal contact area (OCA) were recorded immediately after the fixed appliance was removed and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-treatment. The MA was measured via the two-color chewing gum MA test using ViewGum software, and the MBF and OCA were measured using Dental Prescale II system. RESULTS: MA immediately after orthodontic treatment was lower than that in the normal group but showed a time-dependent gradual increase during a 1-year retention period (P < 0.01). The MA at 1 month post-treatment was not significantly different between the three groups (P > 0.05). The MA revealed a significant correlation with the MBF and OCA (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The MP immediately after orthodontic treatment was lower than that in the normal group but increased gradually, with levels comparable to those of the normal occlusion group at 1 month post-treatment. Further, extraction did not affect the recovery of the MP after orthodontic treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No other study has evaluated the changes in MP during the retention period after orthodontic treatment. The findings show that compared with MBF and OCA, the patients' MP improved faster to levels found in normal occlusion.

Evaluation and Correlation of Bite Force With Electromyography (EMG) Activity Before and After Rehabilitation of the First Molar With an Implant-Supported Prosthesis.

Background Prevalence of tooth loss significantly increases as age advances. The permanent first molar is regarded as the key to proper occlusion and, thus, its loss causes significant deterioration of the functioning of the masticatory apparatus and overall stomatognathic system. It not only affects the occlusal integrity but also the activity of surrounding tissues and muscles. Aim and objectives To evaluate and correlate the maximum bite force (MBF) and electromyography (EMG) activity before and after 24 hours and two months of rehabilitation of the missing permanent first molar with single-implant crowns. Materials and methodology This observational, prospective in-vivo type of study was done on 10 patients receiving dental implants for missing molars. Results There was a significant correlation between bite force and EMG activity post-treatment. Conclusion Dental implant therapy can be very well utilized for the replacement of single missing teeth.

Is "Bite force" a reliable parameter to compare masticatory efficiency restoration following ORIF of anterior mandibular fractures?

Objectives: Mandible is an integral part of masticatory system, and it is expected that it's fracture will have a significant impact on occlusal forces, range of motion, muscle activity levels, and occlusion. The main objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) miniplate and conventional miniplates for fixation of anterior mandibular fractures on the basis of bite force as a main parameter. Methods: 66 patients having isolated anterior mandibular fractures were randomized into two groups equally: Conventional miniplates and 3D miniplates. The bite force at incisor, canine, and molar regions was measured preoperatively and postoperatively at weekly intervals until the sixth week, and the mean bite force as well as changes in mean bite force were compared between two groups. Results: An increase in bite force was noted at each subsequent follow up in both the groups across all sites. Statistically significant difference was found in mean bite force values between both the groups during mid-follow up period. The difference in changes in the mean bite force too was observed to be statistically significant during the mid to late follow up period. Interpretation & conclusion: Bite force is a reliable parameter to assess restoration of masticatory efficiency following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). 3D miniplates when used in anterior mandibular fractures management are efficient enough to withstand masticatory forces throughout the healing process, providing better stability of fractured segments against torsional forces during immediate post-operative period.

Within-patient evaluation of chewing efficiency and maximum bite force of conventional dentures, fixed prostheses, and milled bar overdentures used for All-on-4 implant rehabilitation of atrophied mandibular ridges: A short-term randomized trial.

PURPOSE: This crossover study aimed to evaluate chewing efficiency and maximum bite force (BF) of conventional dentures, fixed prostheses, and milled bar overdentures (MO) used for All-on-4 implant rehabilitation of atrophied mandibular ridges. METHODS: Sixteen edentulous participants with resorbed mandibular ridges received new conventional dentures (CD, control). Four implants were inserted after 3 months in the mandible using the All-on-4 protocol and loaded immediately with acrylic prosthesis. In a crossover manner, each patient had either fixed restoration (FR, 12 occlusal units) or MO (14 occlusal units) randomly in a crossover study design. Chewing efficiency was evaluated using the mixing ability test. The hue deviation (HD) of two-colored gum was calculated after being chewed for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 masticatory cycles. Maximum BF was evaluated using a BF device. HD and BF were measured after using CD, FR, and MO prostheses. RESULTS: For all groups, the highest HD (i.e., the lowest chewing efficiency) was noted with 5 strokes, followed by 10, 20, 30 strokes, and the lowest HD (i.e., the highest chewing efficiency) was noted with 50 strokes. For all number of chewing strokes, CD showed the highest HD, then FR, and MO recorded the lowest HD. The highest BF was observed with MO, then FR, and the lowest BF was noted with CD. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this short-term investigation, both FR and MO used for All-on-4 implant rehabilitation of patients with resorbed mandibular ridges improve masticatory efficiency and maximum BFs compared to CD. However, MO was associated with significantly higher chewing efficiency and maximum BFs than fixed prosthesis.

The effect of anterior repositioning splint therapy on maximum bite forces in patients with disc interference disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of anterior repositioning splint (ARS) on maximum bite force (MBF) values in patients with disc interference disorders (DID). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with disc interference disorders and 22 healthy subjects participated in to study. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I have been used to diagnose DID patients. All patients received ARS therapy for 6 weeks. The MBF measurement was performed with Flexi-Force piezo-resistive sensors for both healthy subjects and patients before and after ARS therapy. RESULTS: A significant difference was recorded by the increase of the mean MBF values after the use of the ARS in the patient with disc derangements (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: APS therapy is efficient for eliminating pain and increasing MBF of the patients with DID. In addition, the use of FlexiForce sensors may be a practical solution to assess the bite force in the clinical setting.

Clinical course of masticatory function recovery following arthrocentesis in patients with unilateral mandibular condyle head fracture.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical course of masticatory function recovery following arthrocentesis. Patients with a unilateral condylar head fracture who underwent arthrocentesis for therapeutic reasons were evaluated and compared with patients with a unilateral condylar head fracture who did not undergo arthrocentesis. At 3 months after treatment, the occlusal contact area and maximum bite force in patients with a fracture treated with arthrocentesis were greater than in those who did not receive arthrocentesis at the same time points, although the differences were not significant. Moreover, at 1 and 3 months following arthrocentesis, mean (±SD) occlusal contact area (1 month: 1.99 ± 0.55 mm2, p = 0.01; 3 months: 2.90 ± 1.36 mm2, p = 0.03) and maximum bite force (1 month: 82.45 ± 15.04 N, p = 0.01; 3 months: 101.11 ± 14.53 N, p = 0.01) on the fractured side in patients who underwent that treatment were significantly reduced when compared with those on the non-fractured side. The authors conclude that if the priority is to avoid open reduction and internal fixation, then the arthrocentesis approach might be a less invasive alternative, albeit with the price of a prolonged healing interval.

Effectiveness of silicone-based resilient denture liners on masticatory function: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the masticatory function between the silicone-based resilient denture liner and conventional denture among edentulous patients. METHODS: The trial included edentulous patients who were willing to have a new set of complete dentures. Participants were randomly assigned to receive mandibular complete dentures with either a 1) conventional denture base (CD group) or (2) silicone-based resilient denture liner (RD group). Masticatory performance (evaluated with gummy jelly) and the maximum occlusal force were measured at baseline, on final adjustment, and at 3 months after the final adjustment. The outcomes were analyzed using two-way mixed analysis of variance and a paired t-test. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The masticatory performance was lower in the RD group than in the CD group; it increased significantly over time in the CD group, but not in the RD group. The maximum occlusal force in the RD group was significantly higher than that in the CD group; it increased significantly over time in the RD group, but not in the CD group. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone-based RD liners applied to mandibular complete dentures are effective in improving the maximum occlusal force but not the masticatory performance, as measured with gummy jelly. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prior evidence has suggested that mandibular complete dentures with resilient denture liners improve masticatory function. However, the results of this study indicate that difficulties may remain with the mastication of foods with a certain texture (e.g., gummy jelly).

Masticatory function and bite force of mandibular single-implant overdentures and complete dentures: a randomized crossover control study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to compare the mixing ability (MA), comminuting ability (CA), and maximum bite force (MBF) of single-implant overdentures (IODs) and clinically acceptable complete dentures (CDs) through a randomized crossover control trial. METHODS: New CDs were fabricated for 22 patients. One implant was inserted in the middle of the symphyseal region for each patient. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group IC received an IOD, whereas group CI received a CD, for 2 months; the treatments were interchanged for the next 2 months. The MA, CA, and MBF were evaluated with the old CDs, new CDs (at the end of CD treatment period), and IODs (at the end of IOD treatment period). RESULTS: The MA, CA, and MBF of the IODs were significantly higher than those of the old and new CDs (p < 0.01). New CDs only showed a significant improvement in MA (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in CA and MBF between the old and new CDs. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the CD, IOD is more effective in restoring the MA, CA, and MBF of edentulous mandibles.

Assessment of the impact of temporomandibular disorders on maximum bite force.

AIM: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to functional disorders of the masticatory system, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. The main objective of this study was to determine whether and to what extent temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the maximum bite force (MBF). METHODS: The present study included subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder. The presence of TMD was assessed by means of the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index analysis. We measured the maximum bite pressure (MBP) and occlusal contact area (OCA) by means of a Fuji Prescale Pressure measurement film. Based on the MBP and OCA values obtained, MBF values were determined. RESULTS: The MBF values were significantly lower in patients with TMD compared to subjects without TMD (P Conclusion: TMDs have a significant impact on MBF and masticatory muscle action potential. More research is needed to determine the impact of reduced maximum bite force on the functional efficiency of the masticatory system.

Association between tongue and lip motor functions and mixing ability in complete denture wearers.

BACKGROUND: Masticatory performance of elderly complete denture wearers is low, which may lead to restriction on intakes of several foods such as fresh fruit or raw vegetables. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tongue motor function, lip motor function, and mixing ability in complete denture wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants comprised 54 complete denture wearers with a mean age of 77.1 years. Maximum tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis were measured to evaluate tongue and lip motor functions. A color-changeable, chewing gum was used to evaluate mixing ability. The relationship between tongue and lip motor functions and mixing ability was assessed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The stepwise multiple regression analysis identified maximum tongue pressure, the number of repetitions of the syllable "ka", and gender as significant predictors for mixing ability among complete denture wearers. DISCUSSION: The elderly edentulous individuals mainly used tongue motor function in oral motor functions for mixing color-changeable chewing gums, which might be ascribable to wearing complete dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Under the limited conditions of this study, factors relating to tongue motor function, tongue pressure and the number of repetitions of the syllable "/ka"/ significantly contributed to the mixing ability of complete denture wearers. It was suggested that tongue motor function had positive effect on the mixing ability of complete denture wearers.

Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force in Patients with Complete Dentures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate maximum bite forces (mBF) in dominant (DS) and non-dominant sides (NDS) at certain time periods after the insertion of new complete dentures based on prior experience and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 patients, complete denture wearers (CDWs), were examined. The maximum bite force at the intercuspal position between the first molars in 3 seconds was registered and recorded with piezoelectric gnathodynamometer. The procedure was repeated 3 times in identical conditions, with relaxation intervals of 1 minute between repeats and the limiting factor was the subjective feeling of pain. Testing of parametric data was performed with One Way Repeated Measurement of ANOVA test. RESULTS: The average mBF values increased during the observational period, both on the DS and NDS, with significant difference in DS, which was greater. The analysis of one-factor variance showed that there were differences of average mBF values in DS and NDS during six consecutive measurements (mBF-DS = 11.3, p = 0.0001, and mBF-NDS = 2.26, p = 0.047). Significant changes in the masticatory force (mBF) on the DS and NDS is explained by different measurement times and with the prior experience with complete dentures, BF-DS = 11.76, p = 0.0000; mBF-NDS = 2.42, p = 0.0351; mBFe-DS = 40.48; P = 0.0000 mBFe-NDS = 39.93, p = 0.0000. CONCLUSION: mBF represents a significant discriminating variable of the level of functional adaptation of new complete denture wearers (nCDWs) about the initial measurements.

Effect of telescopic distal extension removable partial dentures on oral health related quality of life and maximum bite force: A preliminary cross over study.

OBJECTIVES: This cross over study aimed to evaluate the effect of telescopic distal extension removable partial dentures on oral health related quality of life and maximum bite force MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with complete maxillary edentulism and partially edentulous mandibles with anterior teeth only remaining were selected for this cross over study. All patients received complete maxillary dentures and mandibular partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP, control). After 3 months of adaptation, PRDP was replaced with conventional telescopic partial dentures (TPD) or telescopic partial dentures with cantilevered extensions (TCPD) in a quasi-random method. Oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using OHIP-14 questionnaire and Maximum bite force (MBF) was measured using a bite force transducer. Measurements were performed 3 months after using each of the following prostheses; PRDP, TPD, and TCPD. RESULTS: TCPD showed the OHIP-14 lowest scores (i.e., the highest patient satisfaction with their OHRQoL), followed by TPD, and PRDP showed the highest OHIP-14 scores (i.e., the lowest patient satisfaction with OHRQoL). TCPD showed the highest MBF (70.7 ± 3.71), followed by TPD (57.4 ± 3.43) and the lowest MBF (40.2 ± 2.20) was noted with PRDP. CONCLUSION: WITHIN The Limitations of This Study, Mandibular Telescopic Distal Extension Removable Partial Dentures with Cantilevered Extensions Were Associated with Improved Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Maximum Bite Force Compared to Telescopic or Conventional PRDP. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Telescopic distal extension removable prostheses is an esthetic restoration in partially edentulous patients with free end saddle. This article describes the addition of cantilevered extensions of this prosthesis. The results showed that telescopic distal extension removable prostheses with cantilevered extensions were associated with improved oral health related quality of life and maximum bite force compared to telescopic or conventional RPDs.

Maximum Bite Force of Edentulous Patients before and after Dental Implant Rehabilitation: Long-Term Follow-Up and Facial Type Influence.

PURPOSE: (1) To evaluate patients' long-term maximum bite force (MBF) after rehabilitation with mandibular implant-supported prosthesis, (2) to assess the influence of facial pattern in MBF, and (3) to evaluate the relation between the dominant chewing side and MBF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients were selected. Pre- (T0) and immediate post-rehabilitation (T1) data of MBF were collected. In a follow-up visit 3 to 5 years after rehabilitation (T2), 24 patients participated. The patients were asked about dominant chewing side, and facial pattern was obtained by the initial lateral radiographs. RESULTS: There was statistically significant increase in MBF in T1 - T0 = 5.4 ± 4.3 kgf, T2 - T1 = 5.5 ± 6.0 kgf. There was no statistically significant difference in MBF considering facial type, brachyfacial (T0 = 4.4, T1 = 10.7, T2 = 17.6 kgf), mesofacial (T0 = 4.1, T1 = 9.7, T2 = 16.5 kgf), and dolichofacial (T0 = 3.4, T1 = 7.9, T2 = 12.6 kgf). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant relation between MBF and the dominant chewing side. It can be concluded that mandibular rehabilitation with dental implants improves MBF independent of the facial pattern and dominant chewing side.

Are maximum bite forces of subjects 7 to 17 years of age related to malocclusion?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of occlusion on maximum bite force of growing subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incisor and first molar bite force of children and adolescents was evaluated. Four cohorts were measured annually for 3 years, starting at approximately 7, 9, 12, and 15 years of age, respectively. The initial sample included 182 females and 198 males; there were 130 subjects with normal occlusion, 111 with Class I malocclusion, and 139 with Class II malocclusion. Multilevel analyses were performed to model the growth changes and compare groups. RESULTS: Maximum bite force increased significantly (P < .05) over time. Incisal forces peaked at 14.3 and 15.3 years of age for females and males, respectively. Maximum molar bite force peaked at 16 years for both males and females. Subjects with normal occlusion had significantly higher bite force than subjects with malocclusion. Maximum molar bite force exhibited a significant testing effect, with forces increasing 2.6 kg each year that the tests were repeated. CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusion has a detrimental effect on bite force. Changes in maximum bite force are also due to age, sex, and repeated testing.

Objective validity of an implant-retained overdenture with a ball attachment system after marginal mandibulectomy.

Implant-retained overdentures are known to improve oral function, but the clinical impact on patients who have had mandibular resections is still debatable. We have treated 16 patients who had such resections for oral cancer and consequent loss of the alveolar ridge, with overdentures supported by osseointegrated implants and ball attachments. To quantify their functional improvement, we evaluated their maximum bite force and masticatory performance. Their function improved significantly, (from 77.5N - 365N, 371% increase in maximum bite force, p<0.001) and masticatory performance increased (from 2.5 - 7.7, 208%, p<0.0001) after the overdentures had been inserted. While individual changes in maximum bite force showed no significant correlation, those in masticatory performance correlated significantly, which suggests that the subjects with poor masticatory function are likely to benefit from retention of an implant. These results indicate that implant-retained overdentures are an effective way to rehabilitate patients after marginal mandibular resection.

Evaluación de la fuerza masticatoria máxima funcional en adultos jóvenes chilenos / Evaluation of functional maximum bite force in Chilean young adults

La fuerza masticatoria máxima funcional (FMMF) se ha definido como la máxima fuerza generada entre los dientes maxilares y mandibulares. Así el objetivo de esta investigación fue de obtener datos reales sobre las FMMF a nivel molar, premolar, canino e incisivo en individuos adultos jóvenes. El estudio incluyó una muestra de 50 individuos entre 18 y 25 años de edad, totalmente dentados y con perfil esqueletal tipo I y clase I molar y canino. Se utilizó como instrumento un dispositivo de medición de fuerzas portátil, realizando las medidas en la región molar, premolar, canina e incisiva. A los individuos se les indicó morder el instrumento con la mayor fuerza posible, alternando las diferentes zonas a medir, aplicándose tres mediciones en cada diente y registrando el mayor valor en cada zona. La media de las fuerzas ejercidas del sexo masculino fue de 698, 516, 322 y 220 N, en las regiones molar, premolar, canina e incisiva, respectivamente. Por otro lado, en el sexo femenino se observaron valores medios de 466, 431, 232 y 174 N en las regiones molar, premolar, canina e incisiva, respectivamente. Se puede concluir que se observaron diferencias significativas de FMMF entre ambos sexos en las diferentes regiones, identificando los mayores valores en los individuos de sexo masculino en la región molar. Además, se identificaron diferencias significativas de la FMMF sólo en la región canina del sexo masculino al relacionarlas con el lado del arco.

The Functional maximum bite force (FMMF) is defined as the maximum force generated between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Therefore, the aim of this research was to obtain real data about the FMMF at a molar, premolar, canine and incisive level in young adult individuals. The study included a sample of 50 individuals between 18 and 25 years old, fully toothed with a skeletal type I and Class I molar and canine profile. The measuring instrument used was a portable force measuring device, making measurements in the molar, premolar, canine and incisive regions. Individuals were instructed to bite the instrument with the greatest possible force, alternating different areas to measure, applying three measurements on each tooth and recording the highest value in each zone. The average of the forces exerted by males was 698, 516, 322 and 220 N, in the molar regions, premolar, canine and incisor, respectively. Furthermore, in females average values of 466, 431, 232 and 174 N were observed in the molar, premolar, canine and incisor regions respectively. It can be concluded that significant differences were observed in the FMMF between the sexes in different regions, identifying the highest values in male subjects in the molar region. In addition,significant differences were identified in the FMMF of males only in the canine region when related to the side of the arch.

Fuerza máxima de mordida en pacientes adultos mayores de origen mapuche y no mapuche portadores de prótesis parciales removibles clase I Kennedy / Maximum bite force in elderly Mapuche and non-Mapuche patients with Kennedy class I removable partial dentures

OBJETIVO Comparar la fuerza máxima de mordida (FMM) de los pacientes adultos mayores portadores de prótesis parciales removibles con extremo libre bilateral (clase I Kennedy) maxilar y mandibular, en individuos mapuches y no mapuches durante 2 períodos diferentes de medición. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS Se dividió a 40 sujetos cuyas edades fluctuaban entre 60 y 80 años en 2 grupos de acuerdo con su origen étnico para medir su FMM en la región de molares a través de un dispositivo hidráulico. Los sujetos fueron instruidos para realizar 3 mordidas por lado lo más fuerte posible y el valor más alto fue considerado como fuerza máxima. Los datos fueron analizados por medio del test t de Student y prueba de Levene. RESULTADOS El género masculino presentó mayores valores de FMM (p < 0,05). Además, el grupo de individuos de etnia mapuche presentó mayores valores de FMM (p < 0,05). Se identificaron valores de FMM considerablemente mayores en el período de un mes posterior a la inserción de la nueva prótesis (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONESLos mayores valores de FMM fueron observados en la etnia mapuche, en individuos de género masculino y un mes posterior a la inserción de ambas prótesis.

OBJECTIVE To compare the maximum bite force (FMM), in two different measurement periods, of mapuche and non-mapuche elderly patients with both maxillary and mandibular Kennedy class I removable partial dentures. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 40 subjects with ages ranging between 60 and 80 years were divided into 2 groups according to their ethnic origins to measure FMM in the molar region using a hydraulic device. The subjects were instructed to perform three bites with each side as hard as possible, and the highest value was considered as the maximum force. Data were analyzed by Student's t- test and Levene test. RESULTS Male gender showed higher FMM values (p < 0.05). The group of mapuche individuals showed the highest values of FMM (p < 0.05). Finally, considerably higher FMM values were identified at one-month period subsequent to the insertion of the new prosthesis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The highest FMM values were observed in patients of mapuche ethnic origin, in male patients, and at one-month period after both prostheses were inserted.