Research into mastication

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Dental Mechanics

Background:

• Understanding mandibular movement during mastication is crucial for diagnosing and treating jaw disorders.
• Previous studies primarily used cine-photographic methods, limiting detailed analysis of muscle activity and force dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mandibular displacement and associated muscle activity during mastication using an advanced electronic recording method.
• To elucidate the role of muscle activity and silent periods in the terminal phase of jaw closure.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous electronic recording of mandibular displacement, muscle activity (masseter and temporalis), tooth contact sounds, and interdental forces.
• Utilized a single U/V chart for integrated data display.

Main Results:

• Confirmed previous findings on mandibular movement patterns during mastication.
• Identified a latent-silent period in masseter and temporalis muscle activity preceding the final intercuspal position.
• Observed that this silent period appears to reduce the kinetic energy of the mandible during closing.

Conclusions:

• Tooth contact initiates a muscle silent period that aids in controlling jaw closure and absorbing kinetic energy.
• The terminal intercuspal slide is critical for food crushing and final jaw stabilization.
• Proposed a theory that mastication may be regulated by a central clock mechanism.