A test for occlusal function. The value of a masticatory efficiency test in the assessment of occlusal function

A sample consisting of 50 adult subjects aged between 21-23 years was assessed for their masticatory ability, by the use of a masticatory efficiency test. The occlusal status was assessed from study models using five occlusal indices. The scores obtained from the masticatory efficiency tests were correlated to those obtained from the occlusal analyses, using a correlation coefficient test. Significant correlations were found between the two scores. A multiple regression analysis was used to predict the masticatory efficiency from the occlusal scores. The findings revealed that only a small proportion of the masticatory efficiency could be predicted. This suggested that factors other than those used in these indices may have an effect on the masticatory efficiency.