Influence of experimental occlusal discrepancy on masticatory muscle activity during clenching

Abstract

The influence of the experimental occlusal discrepancy on masticatory muscle activity was investigated on 12 subjects. Specially designed occlusal interferences were fabricated and various occlusal states were simulated with their aid. Subjects were asked to carry out eccentric clenching efforts and electromyographic activity of the masseter plus the anterior and posterior temporal muscles was measured. When compared with clenching on the unaltered natural dentition, clenching on the experimental interferences resulted in distinct patterns in the jaw elevator muscles, and the most characteristic change was observed when clenching effort was exerted on the experimental non-working side interference. Electromyographic activity in the anterior and posterior temporal muscles was decreased on the working side and increased on the non-working side and originally unilateral activity pattern with clear dominance on the working side was altered to a bilateral pattern, while that of the masseter muscles remained uninfluenced. Resultant bilateral activity in the anterior and posterior temporal muscles is thought to cause a superior movement of the working side condyle and an inferior movement of the non-working side condyle.

Behavior analysis of electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle in sleep bruxers

“…In an experimental situation, the maximum level of force could differ depending on jaw movement, which affects the clenching force and the EMG activity. The results from this study indicate that the distribution of clenching forces in sleep bruxism could be influenced by occlusal patterns of the subject (Baba et al, 1996).…”

Longitudinal evaluation of sEMG of masticatory muscles and kinematics of mandible changes in children treated for unilateral cross-bite

“…Baba et al, 1996;De Rossi et al, 2009). Also, patients were observed until one year after retention to control muscular function until treatment stabilization and maturation of the stomatognathic system.…”

Changes in masticatory muscle activity during maximum voluntary clenching, mealtimes and sleep after surgical correction of mandibular prognathism

“…Absolute integrated values at T0 were the highest as some hyperactivity induced by contacting the upper and lower teeth might be observed because of posterior interferences before treatment [2,3].…”