Hall technique crowns and children's masseter muscle activity: A surface electromyography pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Craniofacial Muscle Physiology

Background:

• Hall technique crowns (HTCs) are used in pediatric dentistry to manage primary molars.
• HTCs can temporarily alter the child's occlusion.
• Changes in occlusion may affect the function of jaw muscles, particularly the masseter muscle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of unilateral Hall technique crowns on masseter muscle activity in children.
• To understand the short-term functional adaptations of the primary jaw-closing muscle following HTC placement.

Main Methods:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) measured bilateral masseter muscle activity in 12 children.
• Measurements were taken at rest position (RP) and maximum voluntary clenching (MVC).
• Data collected immediately before HTC cementation, and at 2 and 6 weeks post-cementation.

Main Results:

• Masseter muscle activity significantly increased from rest to maximum clenching across all measurement points.
• Immediately after HTC placement, maximum clenching activity decreased by one-third compared to baseline.
• Clenching activity returned to and exceeded baseline levels by 2 and 6 weeks post-treatment, respectively.
• Resting masseter muscle activity remained unchanged throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

• Hall technique crowns can influence masseter muscle activity in children.
• A temporary reduction in clenching activity occurs immediately after HTC placement.
• Masseter muscle function recovers and potentially enhances beyond baseline levels within six weeks post-treatment.