Human bite force discrimination using specific maxillary and mandibular teeth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether performance differences existed in subjects' self-generated bite force discrimination ability using maxillary and mandibular central incisors, canines, premolars and first molars. Two separate studies were conducted: (i) to assess whether performance differences existed in subjects' bite force discrimination ability using central incisors and premolars; (ii) to compare subjects' performance on bite force discrimination using central incisors, canines and first molars. Assessment of bite force was measured using a specially designed strain gauge scale allowing subjects to visually monitor when their biting force equalled a preset resistance. Resistance forces of 500, 1000 and 3000 g were selected as standards. Subjects were presented with a series of paired resistance settings, one at a time, the first of each pair being the standard and the second being the comparator setting of a predetermined amount. This paired-comparisons procedure was continued until the subjects' difference limen (DL) value (the threshold of discrimination between two forces) could be established. The first study revealed no significant (P greater than 0.05) overall difference in subjects' bite force discrimination ability relative to specific teeth. In contrast, in the second study a significant difference (P less than 0.05) was identified in subjects' performance relative to specific teeth; subjects' performed better using central incisors compared to first molars. In both studies, subjects' performance was significantly better (P less than 0.05) using the 500 g standard compared to the 3000 g standard in the first study, and compared to the 1000 g standard in the second study. No significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were observed between the performance of males and females in either study.

Comparison of Dynamic Shear Properties of the Porcine Molar and Incisor Periodontal Ligament

“…Since the density of mechanoreceptors is high in the anterior part of the oral cavity and movement of incisors is larger than that of molars during mastication, incisors are more sensitive in recognizing hardness or applied force discrimination. 4,7,8 Previously, in static experiments with a relatively large strain (10%), the molar PDL was revealed to have larger mechanical stiffness than the incisor PDL. In contrast, the present results showed that towards very small dynamic strain (1%), the PDL of the incisor was stiffer than that of the molar.…”

Bite force and pattern measurements for dental pain assessment in the rat

“…Bite force has been widely used as an acceptable test for masticatory system function in humans [3,10, 20]. A reduction in bite force amplitude has been demonstrated in patients with disorders of the masticatory system, such as osteoarthritis or internal derangements of the TMJ [16, 17].…”

Periodontal ligament cells under intermittent tensile stress regulate mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease-1 and -2

“…We estimated that an orthodontic force of 1 N on the average human premolar equates to a strain level of approximately 1% in the PDL cell cultures [23]. In most clinical studies, 500-3,000 g of bite force have been used [24]. Therefore, we subjected PDL cells in culture to cyclic stretching with 20% elongation at a frequency of 10 cycles/min, each cycle consisting of 3s of strain and 3s of relaxation; thus we propose that our experiment is a valid reproduction of the physiologic mechanical forces of mastication.…”