Effect of unilateral masticatory function on craniofacial growth in the rabbit

In this study the main purpose was to investigate the effect of altered masticatory function on the shape and inclination of the articular surface of the glenoid fossa, and on the growth of the mandible in the rabbit. The maxillary and mandibular molars of 14, 10-d-old rabbits were ground down to the gingiva on the right side twice a week; 9 were controls. At age 50 d all rabbits were killed, soft tissue of the heads was removed, and the measurements were made. The inclination of the articular surface of the glenoid fossa was shallower on both sides in the experimental group than in the controls; the difference was greater on the right side. There were dimensional and angular differences between right and left sides of the mandible and maxilla in the experimental animals. In conclusion, unilateral masticatory function was found to cause an asymmetric craniofacial growth. Furthermore, function has an effect on the shape of the glenoid fossa, especially on the balancing side, in conjunction with asymmetric function.