Changes in masticatory function after orthognathic treatment in patients with mandibular prognathism

Changes in masticatory function were measured in 27 patients in whom mandibular prognathism was corrected surgically. The mean value of masticatory efficiency before treatment was 46% of that of control subjects with normal occlusion. It improved, but remained at 60% of the control value postoperatively. Similar changes were seen in the number and area of occlusal contacts and the integrated muscle activities of the masseter and temporalis on the chewing side, but the postoperative improvement in masticatory efficiency was mainly the result of improvement in masseter activity. The mean values of masticatory cycle variables in the patient group did not differ significantly from those of the controls. Their preoperative mean coefficients of variation, which were significantly higher than those of the controls, decreased significantly postoperatively. These results suggest that the stability of masticatory rhythm was improved by orthognathic surgery.