Relationships between maxillofacial morphology and oral function on the habitual and non-habitual chewing sides.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between reference planes and oral functions on the habitual and non-habitual chewing sides.

Materials and methods: Thirty-four subjects with no abnormalities in the maxillofacial region and oral functions were enrolled in this study. Relationships between angles between the reference plane (Frankfort horizontal plane, Camper's plane, and occlusal plane) and masticatory performance, occlusal force, and occlusal contact area by chewing side were examined. Regarding the measurement of reference planes, a creatively modified three-plane measuring device was used to measure angles between the reference planes. Images were taken from the right and left sides and angles between reference planes were measured. Masticatory performance was examined by measuring the amount of glucose extracted from a gummy jelly on the habitual and non-habitual chewing sides separately. Occlusal force and occlusal contact area were measured by occluding against pressure-sensitive film, and values on the habitual and non-habitual chewing sides were calculated and analyzed.

Results: The angle between Camper's plane and the occlusal plane correlated with masticatory performance on both the habitual chewing side (r = 0.47, P < .01) and the non-habitual chewing side (r = 0.36, P < .05). A correlation was observed between masticatory performance and occlusal force on the habitual chewing side (r = 0.46, P < .01).

Conclusion: Masticatory performance became higher as occlusal plane inclination increased. This result represents essential knowledge for prosthetic treatment.