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Published on: October 20, 2023
Bite force and occlusal contact area changes following mandibular widening using distraction osteogenesis
Alper Alkan1, Selim Arici, Shuichi Sato
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. alpera@omu.edu.tr
Summary
Mandibular widening via distraction osteogenesis improved bite force and occlusal contact area. These improvements reached preoperative levels by six months and exceeded them by one year, indicating long-term functional recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Biomechanics
Background:
- Transverse mandibular deficiency presents challenges in achieving proper occlusion.
- Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique to address this deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of mandibular widening using distraction osteogenesis on bite force and occlusal contact area.
- To compare postoperative measurements with preoperative and control group values.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen patients with transverse mandibular deficiency underwent mandibular widening.
- Bite force and occlusal contact area were measured using pressure-sensitive sheets (Dental-Prescale) at multiple time points up to one year post-operation.
- Ten control subjects with normal occlusion were included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Bite force and occlusal contact area were lowest at one month postoperatively.
- Measurements steadily increased, reaching preoperative levels by six months and slightly exceeding them by twelve months.
- No statistically significant differences were found between twelve-month postoperative values and control group values for bite force.
Conclusions:
- Mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis appears to enhance bite force and occlusal contact area in patients with transverse mandibular deficiency.
- The observed improvements suggest a positive functional outcome following the surgical procedure.
