Bite forces and their resultants during forceful intercuspal clenching in humans

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Dental Mechanics
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Understanding bite forces is crucial for dental treatments.
• Previous research has not fully characterized the complex force systems during maximal clenching.
• A comprehensive analysis requires evaluating forces in six degrees-of-freedom.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for comprehensively measuring bite forces during maximal intercuspation.
• To reduce the complex system of bite forces into an equivalent wrench (a single force and couple).
• To investigate the normative distribution and resultant wrench characteristics in young adults.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pressure-sensitive films to capture detailed occlusal contact information.
• Analyzed bite force magnitude, direction, and point of application at each contact.
• Calculated the resultant wrench representing the entire bite force system.

Main Results:

• Identified a mean of 26.1 occlusal contacts, with significantly more contacts and higher forces on molars.
• Bite force resultants ranged from 246.9 to 2091.9 N.
• Resultant wrench axes intersected the mandibular occlusal plane posterior to the incisal point and near the midline.

Conclusions:

• A novel method using pressure-sensitive films was established for bite force analysis.
• The study provides the first investigation into the six-degrees-of-freedom bite force system during forceful clenching.
• Findings offer normative data on bite force distribution and resultant wrench characteristics.