Evaluation of bite force recovery in patients with maxillofacial fracture

The aim of this study was to measure the maximum voluntary bite force and recovery time in patients treated for different types of the maxillofacial fracture. Patients aged between 18 and 60 years, who received surgical treatment for a single isolated fracture of the maxillofacial structure, were included in this study. Healthy individuals without any maxillofacial abnormality were selected as the control group. Bite force (in kg) was measured at the first incisor tooth, bilaterally, prior to surgery and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Of 120 patients, 89 (74.17%) were male and 31 (25.83%) were female. Mean patient age (±SD) was 31.21 (±11.64) years. Bite forces relating to fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) with involvement of the arch and zygomaticofrontal suture reached normal levels after 6 weeks (from 3.89 (±1.11) to 10.82 (±1.29); p = 0.296 and from 4.20 (±0.93) to 10.70 (±1.70); p = 0.192, respectively). Bite force returned to normal after 3 months in fractures of the symphysis (from 2.05 (±0.97) to 12.18 (±0.77); p = 0.222), body (from 2.21 (±1.26) to 11.9 (±0.73); p = 0.750), angle (from 2.45 (±1.24) to 11.89 (±0.76); p = 0.769), condyle (from 2.45 (±1.27) to 11.25 (±0.82); p = 0.968), and ZMC with and without infraorbital rim involvement (from 3.83 (±0.93) to 11.92 (±0.84); p = 0.724 and from 3.7 (±1.21) to 12.03 (±0.82); p = 0.482, respectively). Patients with ZMC fracture involving the arch and zygomaticofrontal suture require fewer follow-ups in comparison with those with other maxillofacial fractures. Measurement of maximal bite force can help to evaluate dentofacial deformities before and after surgical treatment.