Average chewing pattern improvements following Disclusion Time reduction.

Area of Science:

• Dental Occlusion
• Biomechanical Analysis of Mastication
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Background:

• Studies on electrognathographic (EGN) recordings of chewing improvements post-occlusal adjustment therapy are scarce.
• Most existing research lacks direct analysis of chewing function after occlusal adjustments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if reducing long Disclusion Time to short Disclusion Time via immediate complete anterior guidance development (ICAGD) coronoplasty impacts average chewing pattern (ACP) and muscle function in symptomatic subjects.
• To evaluate the efficacy of ICAGD in improving masticatory performance and muscle activity.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous electromyography (EMG) and EGN recordings were obtained from 29 symptomatic subjects during gum chewing before and after ICAGD coronoplasty.
• Statistical analysis using Student's paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment measurements of Disclusion Time, muscle contraction cycle, and ACP.

Main Results:

• ICAGD significantly reduced Disclusion Time (p < 0.0000).
• Significant improvements were observed in muscle function, including increased mean area, peak amplitude, and altered contraction/relaxation times (p < 0.00005).
• Post-ICAGD, ACP showed significant changes: improved terminal chewing position, increased chewing velocities, and decreased cycle/contact times (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• ICAGD enameloplasty significantly enhances the average chewing pattern (ACP) in muscularly dysfunctional TMD patients within a week.
• Computer-guided occlusal adjustments provide rapid and physiological improvements in chewing function and muscular coordination.
• This treatment method effectively improves chewing without the need for pre- or post-treatment appliances.