The relationship between facial skeleton morphology and bite force in people with a normal relation of the bases of jaws and skull

Abstract

Background: Better knowledge on the relationship between craniofacial structure and bite force may serve as a reference point for prophylactic and therapeutic activities targeted at developmental age patients. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between facial skeletal morphology and bite force. Materials and methods: The study included 54 subjects aged 7-16 years with a normal relation of the bases of jaws and skull, according to Segner's and Hasund's analysis standards (ML-NL and ML-NSL angles values were 20.0 ± 7.0° and 28.0 ± 5.0°, respectively). The study group included patients who volunteered to diagnosis and possible orthodontic treatment. Bite force was tested with a digital dynamometer calibrated in Newtons. The measurement was performed at the level of the first permanent molars. Cephalometric analysis was based on lateral cephalometric radiographs. The vertical relations were assessed using the following measurements: ML-NSL, ML-NL, NL-NSL, N-Me, Sp-Me, SpMe:NMe, ms-NL, SGo:NMe. Results: Bite force does not depend on the following factors: lower anterior face height (Sp-Me), lower anterior face height to total anterior face height ratio (SpMe:NMe), posterior to anterior face height ratio (SG0:NMe), and the value of ML-NL, ML-NSL and NL-NSL angles. Conclusions: The posterior height of the maxilla alveolar process (ms-NL) exerts the greatest influence on bite force in people with a normal relation of the bases of jaws and skull: with an increase in ms-NL value bite force is reduced.