Abstract:

Studies on the maximum bite force in subjects with different facial types, age and gender are scarce and the values in some cases are controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the maximum bite force in individuals with different facial types and of both genders and to compare them with the results, reported in literature. Material and Methods. The study was performed on 65 subjects – 31 males and 34 females, with mean age 18.4 ± 6.1 years. Maximum bite force was measured by a gnathodynamometer, positioned in the first molar area on the left and right side. The subjects were divided into 3 groups depending on the vertical facial pattern – hypo-, normo- and hyperdivergent. Statistical analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS 23.0 statistical package. Results. Our data show that maximum bite force is lowest in the hyperdivergent facial type compared to hypo- and normodivergent. No difference was found in the maximum bite force between male and female subjects. Conclusion. From the analysis of the data, it can be concluded that there is no statistically significant difference in the maximum bite force between hypodivergent and normodivergent individuals while in hyperdivergent individuals the values were significantly lower.

Keywords: maximum bite force; vertical facial type; hyperdivergent facial type