Studies on the Function of Occlusion and the Masticatory Function in Children

Abstract

For evaluation of the function of the occlusion and the masticatory function of the child, it is necessary to know the their standard values. To discover these, the functions of the occlusion (the occlusal contact area, the maximum bite pressure, the average bite pressure and the degree of bite force)were measured using the bite pressure detecting film “Dental Prescale” and “Occluzer” system (Fuji Photo Film Co. ) while the masticatory functions (the masticatory time and the masticatory cycles)were measured using three types of masticatory jellies (Sunstar Co. ) in 871 children with normal occlusion (421 boys and 450 girls). The number of children in Hellman's Dental Stage IIA, IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IVA was 145,123,145,162,161 and 135, respectively.
For evaluation of the functions of the occlusion, the following values were recommended as the stand values. For the occlusal contact area(mm²): IIA 9.2 ±7.3, IIC 9.9±5.9, IIIA 11.4±6.2, IIIB 10.0±55, IIIC 12.0±6.7, IVA 14.7±8.1, the average bite pressure (MPa): IIA 45.7±8.2, IIC 44.9±8.4, IIIA 46.9±6.6, IIIB 47.6±7.0, IIIC 47.1±7.2, IVA 46.0±7.2, the degree of bite force(N): IIA 391.8±258.3, IIC 430.1±231.0, IIIA 520.0±252.2, IIIB 463.7±221.4, IIIC 548.9±263.6, IVA 651.4±312.7. The values of IIA stage and the maximum bite pressure should be studied continuously.
For evaluation of the masticatory functions, the values obtained in this study are recommended as the standard values.