Assessment of Maximum Bite Force in Edentulous Patients with Varying Facial Types: An In Vivo Comparative Study

To evaluate and compare the maximum bite force (MBF) among completely edentulous patients with different facial types and to assess its variation according to gender.

A total of 120 completely edentulous subjects (60 males and 60 females) aged 50-60 years were classified into euryprosopic, mesoprosopic, and leptoprosopic facial types based on facial index measurements. Maximum bite force was recorded bilaterally in the premolar-molar region using a custom-made strain gauge transducer, and the mean value was calculated for each subject. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

The mean (±SD) MBF values for Euryprosopic, Mesoprosopic, and Leptoprosopic facial types were 6.327 ± 1.505 kg f, 4.406 ± 0.709 kg f, and 3.070 ± 1.263 kg f, respectively, with a statistically significant difference among groups (p < 0.001). Males demonstrated significantly higher MBF (5.615 ± 1.627 kg f) compared to females (3.586 ± 1.334 kg f) (p < 0.001). Euryprosopic individuals exhibited the highest bite force, followed by mesoprosopic and leptoprosopic subjects.

Maximum bite force in completely edentulous individuals varies significantly with facial morphology and gender. Higher bite forces were observed in Euryprosopic individuals and males, suggesting superior masticatory efficiency.

Assessment of facial morphology and bite force before prosthetic rehabilitation may aid in optimizing denture design, improving occlusal balance, and enhancing masticatory performance and patient satisfaction.