Reverse chewing patterns in patients with bilateral posterior crossbite are related to the occlusal features of the malocclusion

Abstract

Background: Bilateral posterior crossbite (BPXB) is a severe malocclusion associated with maxillary hypoplasia. BPXB may involve the same or a different number of teeth between the sides. Objectives: To evaluate the masticatory function in BPXB and the association between the masticatory alterations and the occlusal features of BPXB. Methods: This observational study included 170 participants: 130 patients with BPXB (65 occlusally symmetric BPXB, i.e. same number and type of posterior teeth in crossbite between the sides, F = 33, M = 32, median age 9.6 (8.2–13) [years.months]; 65 patients occlusally asymmetric BPXB, F = 30, M = 35, median age 9.9 (8.3–13.6)) and 40 controls (F = 25, M = 15, median age 10.2 (9.4–11.6)). The masticatory function was evaluated by the detection of the Reverse Chewing Cycles (RCCs) recorded with a kinesiograph using standardised soft and hard boluses. Results: The frequency of RCCs was significantly increased in all BPXB patients compared to controls (p