PURPOSE:
to analyze the maximum bite force in individuals with normal occlusion and types of Angle’s malocclusion; to observe the frequency of occurrence of each type of occlusion; to analyze whether there is any difference between measurements of force and relate bite force to body mass index (BMI).
METHODS:
the sample was composed of 100 students of the Speech and Language Pathology School at UNIFESP, with ages between 17 and 25 years. Individuals with ATM disfunctions, mental or genetic disorders and those who had already undergone miotherapy were excluded. Each individual went through an evaluation, which consisted of: 1) gathering personal information, personal diet, chewing preference, weight and height. 2) evaluation of dental occlusion as normal occlusion or malocclusion Class I, Class II 1st division, Class II 2nd division or Class III. 3) evaluation of bite force, performed by using a digital dynamometer. Different techniques were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
individuals with normal occlusion were those who had the greatest bite force, followed by Classes I, II 1st and 2nd divisions and Class III, respectively; there was higher occurrence of malocclusion Class I, followed by normal occlusion, Class II 1st and 2nd divisions and Class III; There was an increase of the average force between the first and third measurements for both sides; there was no correlation between bite force and BMI.
CONCLUSION:
the type of occlusion influenced bite force, the greatest force being obtained on the third measurement; there was no relation between BMI and bite force.
Dental Occlusion; Malocclusion; Bite Force; Stomatognathic System
