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Neuromuscular evaluation of post-orthodontic stability: an experimental protocol.
Virgilio F Ferrario1, Paolo V Marciandi, Gianluca M Tartaglia
1Functional Anatomy Research Center (FARC), Dipartimento di Anatomia Umana Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Facoltà di Scienze Motorie Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy. farc@unimi.it
The International Journal of Adult Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery
|February 25, 2003
Summary
Surface electromyography (EMG) can predict orthodontic relapse. Higher torque coefficients (TC) in adult patients suggest a greater need for retention after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Research
Background:
- Post-orthodontic relapse is a concern, with soft tissues potentially influencing dental stability.
- Retention is standard, but understanding muscle influence could optimize treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify masticatory muscle influence on post-orthodontic relapse.
- To explore surface EMG as a tool for predicting retention needs.
Main Methods:
- Two male patients (adolescent and adult) received no retention post-orthodontic treatment.
- Surface EMG of masseter and temporalis muscles, alginate impressions, and 3D FACC inclination measurements were taken.
- Muscular symmetry (POC) and lateral displacement (TC) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No clinical changes at 6 months; minor arch dimension changes (up to 1mm).
- Adolescent showed stable FACC inclinations; adult had significant alterations (up to 18 degrees).
- Adult had higher TC values (>10.5%) compared to the adolescent ( <10%), indicating greater lateral displacement potential.
Conclusions:
- Higher torque coefficients (TC) in adult patients correlate with greater post-treatment dental crown movement.
- Surface EMG assessment may identify patients at higher risk for relapse, potentially guiding retention decisions.
