Mastication, EMG Activity and Occlusal Contact Area in Subjects with Different Facial Types

Abstract

Dentofacial morphology may affect orofacial functions, therefore the aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of craniofacial morphology on masticatory function, occlusal contact area (OCA), and masticatory muscles activity. Seventy-eight (78) subjects were divided into three groups according to vertical facial pattern: 1. mesofacial; 2. brachyfacial; and 3. dolichofacial. Artificial material and the sieving method were used to access masticatory efficiency (ME). OCA was determined by registration of posterior teeth. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and anterior temporal (AT) muscles was accessed bilaterally at rest and at maximal vertical clenching (MVC). ME (%) was significantly higher in brachyfacial and lower in dolichofacial subjects. Brachyfacials presented the highest OCA (mm²) followed by meso and dolichofacial subjects. The EMG of the masseter and AT at rest and at MVC showed that dolichofacial subjects presented the lowest activity values, while brachyfacial subjects presented significantly higher measurements. Craniofacial morphology affected masticatory function, OCA, and EMG activity of the masticatory muscles.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Simone Guimarães Farias Gomes

Dr. Simone Guimarães Farias Gomes received her D.D.S. degree from the Federal University of Pernambuco in 2003 and her M.Sc. degree in prosthodontics in 2008 at the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. at the same university.

William Custodio

Dr. William Custodio attended Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, where he received his D.D.S. degree in 2005 and his M.Sc. degree in prosthodontics in 2008. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the same university.

Juliana Silva Moura Jufer

Dr. Juliana Silva Moura Jufer received her D.D.S. degree from the Federal University of Goiás in 1999 and her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 2003 and 2005, respectively, both in prosthodontics, at the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas.

Altair Antoninha Del Bel Cury

Dr. Altair Antoninha Del Bell Cury is a professor at the Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas. She received her Ph.D. from the University of São Paulo in 1992 and took a post doctoral training at the University of Rochester in 2006. Since receiving her Ph.D. in dentistry, she has been involved in research into oral rehabilitation and cariology.

Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia

Dr. Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia is a professor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology at Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas. Since she received her Ph.D. in prosthodontics in 1995 at the same university, she has been involved in clinical research. In 1997, she took post doctoral training in craniomandibular disorders at the University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio.