2001 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 97-102
The aim of this study was to provide information related to the average pattern of occlusal force distribution in the deciduous dentition using pressure sensitive sheets, DENTAL PRESCALE ®( Fuji Photo Film, Co., Japan).
Occlusal force was measured in 42 healthy children who had normal occlusions. The distribution of occlusal force was expressed as a percentage of the total occlusal force for each tooth. The symmetry of the occlusal force distribution was shown by an asymmetry index, defined as the percentage of the difference between the right and left occlusal force in relation to the sum ([R-L]/(R+L)×100[%]). The results obtained were as follows;
1) No differences in either occlusal forces or occlusal force distribution were found between boys and girls.
2) The average of the total occlusal force was 430.6 N, and the average of the total occlusal force of each tooth by the primary 2 nd molars was 129.5 N, by the primary 1 st molars 46.4 N, by the primary canines 23.8 N, by the primary lateral incisors 9.5 N and by the primary central incisors 6.1 N.
3) The distribution of occlusal force by the primary 2 nd molars was 60.9%, by the 1 st molars 21.5%, by the primary canines 11.0%, by the primary lateral incisors 4.0% and by the primary central incisors 2.6%.
4) The average asymmetry index of occlusal force distribution was 8.9%±6.5(%), Based on these results, it was suggested that in deciduous dentition the distribution of occlusal force is concentrated on the primary molars, in particular on the primary 2 nd molars that exert most of the occlusal force in the deciduous dentition.
