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Bite force evaluation in subjects with cleft lip and palate.
Carla Renata Sipert1, Ana Claudia Martins Sampaio, Inge Elly Kiemle Trindade
1Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
Journal of Applied Oral Science : Revista FOB
|March 11, 2009
Summary
Men with repaired cleft lip and palate exhibit significantly reduced bite force compared to non-cleft males. This bite force deficit was not statistically significant in females, warranting further investigation into gender-specific differences.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are congenital conditions affecting facial structure and function.
- Masticatory function, assessed by bite force, is crucial for oral health and quality of life.
- Previous research on bite force in individuals with CLP has yielded varied results, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the masticatory function, specifically bite force, in adults with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) versus non-cleft individuals.
- To analyze potential gender-specific differences in bite force between the UCLP and control groups.
Main Methods:
- Bite force measurements were taken at three dental arch positions (incisors, right molars, left molars) in 27 UCLP subjects (18-26 years) and 20 non-cleft controls.
- Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests to compare bite force between groups.
- Subjects with UCLP were assessed for concurrent orthodontic treatment status.
Main Results:
- Male subjects with UCLP demonstrated a statistically significant deficit in bite force across all measured positions compared to the male control group (p<0.05).
- Female subjects with UCLP showed no statistically significant difference in bite force compared to the female control group (p>0.05).
- A high percentage (92.6%) of UCLP subjects were undergoing orthodontic treatment, a factor potentially influencing bite force, especially in males.
Conclusions:
- Bite force is significantly reduced in males with repaired UCLP compared to their non-cleft counterparts.
- The lack of significant bite force reduction in females with UCLP suggests potential gender-related differences in masticatory function.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying reasons for these gender disparities and the impact of orthodontic treatment on bite force in individuals with CLP.
