Bite force and occlusal load distribution in normal complete dentitions of young adults

The aim of this study was to investigate the bite force and its distribution over the maxillary dentition in completely dentate subjects. Twenty-three dental students (14 Danish, 9 Japanese) with complete dentitions, but without occlusal contact on the third molars participated and their maximal bite forces were measured using the Dental Prescale System close to intercuspation. The antero-posterior location of the occlusal load centre, i.e. the centre of balance of distributed occlusal load, was a little posterior of the centre of the upper first molar. These results could be used as a basic model for evaluation of occlusion.