Angle classification of occlusion and human mastication pattern: an explorative study using planar calculations of fragmented chewing sequences

Summary

The aim of this explorative study was to investigate the influence of occlusion, indexed by angle classification, on human mastication pattern. Planar calculations of fragmented chewing sequences were used to quest the clinical observation of variations in chewing pattern in subjects with different types of angle malocclusion. Twenty-four subjects (13 males and 11 females) with a mean age of 35.7 years (39.3 yr in male and 32.7 yr in female participants, respectively) were enrolled in this study. Chewing sequences, performed on the right and left side, were recorded by condylography, using a standard food model (yellow, medium hardness). Occlusion was evaluated and the subjects were classified into 4 groups: dental Class I (n = 7, 2 males and 5 females), dental Class II/1 (n = 6, 3 males and 3 females), dental Class II/2 (n = 5, 2 males and 3 females), and dental Class III (n = 6, 4 males and 2 females). In case of different dental classification on the right and left side, the subjects were not included in the study. The condylographic data were exported for sides, working and the nonworking side. Sagittal and transversal calculations of planar areas bordered by condylographic tracings were used to compute unilateral and bilateral ratios. Within this study population and within the limitations of this study, no significant correlation could be detected between chewing patterns expressed by unilateral and bilateral ratios of fragmented chewing sequence and Angle classification of occlusion. Furthermore, it may be assumed that other occlusal parameters are affecting typical chewing pattern in malocclusions.