[Occlusal curvature and masticatory function].

Abstract

This study examined the association between masticatory movement and occlusal curvature in dentate adults. Forty-six subjects (mean age : 25.0 years) with complete permanent dentition except for their third molars participated in this study. A mandibular cast mounted on the lower member of an articulator was fixed to a three-dimensional measuring gauge (QM-Measure 353). Approximate spheres were calculated from the measurements according to the Broadrick Occlusal Plane Analyser. Subjects were asked to chew raw carrot, cheese, fish paste, boiled beef and gummy candy prepared to the size of 10 x 10 x 20 mm. Three-dimensional chewing movements of the mandibular central incisor point were measured using a Gnatho-analyzer. The Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to test the relationship between the occlusal curvature and masticatory movement. Significant correlations were found between masticatory movement and occlusal curvature in dentate adults (p < 0.01). Regression analysis found that subjects with larger occlusal curvature showed greater maximum velocity, larger vertical range and shorter cycle duration (p < 0.05). These results suggest that occlusal curvature is associated with masticatory movements.