Is the masticatory efficiency altered by malocclusion?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the masticatory efficiency of subject with malocclusion. 64 healthy subjects were used, from 15 to 50 years old, and with clinic diagnostic of malocclusion class I, class II-1, class II-2 and class III (n=16). One group diagnosed with normocclusion (n=16) was used as control. The masticatory efficiency was analyzed through the evaluation of the masticatory performance (through comminution of artificial test food until 20 cycles and sieving analysis) and masticatory ability (through an auto-perception questionnaire). Also the body mass index was evaluated. The masticatory performance was significantly higher in the group with malocclusion class III (comminuted median particle size X₅₀=4.29), which was significantly different to the group with malocclusion class II-2 (X₅₀=3.20) and normocclusion (X₅₀=3.40). The subject with reduced masticatory performance and malocclusion class III presented higher masticatory time that control group. The masticatory ability also showed significant differences among the malocclusions, however these were not significant. The body mass index was significantly higher in the group with malocclusion class III when it was compared with the group with malocclusion class II-1.Masticatory efficiency is altered by the malocclusion.