Occlusal function and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in skeletal Class III patients with different patterns of mandibular asymmetry

BACKGROUND

Although jaw asymmetry is commonly seen in skeletal Class III patients, its correlation with occlusal function and masticatory muscle activity has not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occlusal function and masticatory muscle activity in skeletal Class III patients with various patterns of mandibular asymmetry.

METHODS

Forty-two patients and 10 normal participants were examined. The patients were categorised into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 exhibited menton and ramus deviation to the same side. Menton deviation was larger than ramus deviation in Group 1, whereas Group 2 showed the inverse relation. Group 3 patients showed menton and ramus deviation in opposite directions. Occlusal contact area (OCA), relative bite force (RBF), and temporalis anterior (TA) and masseter muscle (MM) activity at maximum clenching were measured using T-Scan Novus system and Bio-EMG-III. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and Spearman correlation (α = .05).

RESULTS

Compared with normal participants, the patients had smaller OCA and greater asymmetry in the distribution of masticatory muscle activity. Greater ramus deviation was associated with smaller OCA in Group 1 but with larger OCA in Group 3. In Group 1, greater menton deviation was related to stronger TA activity on the non-deviation side. In Group 2, greater ramus deviation was related to stronger MM activity on the deviation side.

CONCLUSION

Deviation of the menton and ramus was individually related to OCA and masticatory muscle activity, and this relationship varied according to the pattern of mandibular asymmetry.

T-Scan Novus System in the Management of Splints-Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to demonstrate the capabilities of the T-Scan Novus system in bruxism treatment by splints. Bruxism patients underwent treatment with a splint made by additive manufacturing. Intraoral scanning was performed using Trios Color (3Shape), and digital design was performed using 3Shape Dental system design - splint studio. The biocompatible material Dental LT Clear Resin was printed using a Formlabs Form 2 printer. The T-Scan Novus system with a software attached to it, version 9.1, was used for digital examination of the occlusion. A splint with an occlusal thickness of 2.5 mm was developed and software adapted with relief to antagonists. The digitally set occlusion with even contacts turned out to be clinically unbalanced. After adjusting with T-Scan Novus, a balanced occlusion was achieved in the right and left halves. The treatment of bruxism with splint therapy continues to be the main method. Its combination with digital technologies allows more precise constructions and more accurate balancing of occlusal relationships.