Dynamic functional force measurements on an anterior bite plane during the night

Anterior bite planes are used in removable and fixed appliance treatment. In removable appliance treatment the question arising is whether the delivered forces can achieve active intrusion in terms of their amplitude and duration. In fixed appliance treatment, the force effect on the incisors and associated pathologic side effects, in particular under the application of intrusion mechanics, have to be considered.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an anterior bite plane during the night. For this purpose ten subjects underwent nocturnal sleep investigations by means of a telemetric system. A silicon force sensor was integrated into an anterior bite plane for continuous measurement of bite forces and of the frequency of occlusal contact with the plate.

The occlusal forces exerted on the anterior bite planes ranged between 3 and 80 N. The average forces were 5.5-24 N. The number of occlusal contacts varied between 39 and 558, with forces of between 7 and 9 N being registered in most cases. Major interindividual differences were detected in the magnitude of the force as well as in bite frequency. The intraindividual pattern of arising occlusal forces showed an intermittent force effect. No significant differences were found with regard to gender or growth pattern.

In subjects with removable appliances, no active intrusion of teeth is possible during the night owing to the small number of occlusal contacts. Due to the partially very high forces in fixed appliance therapy, the integration of an anterior bite plane has to be assessed as critical in patients with unfavorable root geometry or bruxism.