On the regulation of interincisor bite force in man

The maximum bite force and the ability to perform a requested interincisor bite force was tested on eight healthy subjects with normal dentition and on five full denture wearers under various conditions. Anaesthesia of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsular and/or periodontal receptors, with or without simultaneous vibration-induced increase of muscle receptor discharge, did not lead to noticeable changes in these capacities. It is concluded that in maximal voluntary efforts, as well as in trained and prepatterned motor acts, the motor activity may function without significant involvement of peripheral feedback mechanisms. However, all subjects significantly underestimated their bite force in the test series. Another conclusion from the present study is that neither jaw open nor jaw elevator vibration is of any influence upon the maximum bite force. On the other hand, the maximum bite force significantly increased after the performance of the test series.