Abstract:

The aim of the present study is to measure the maximum bite force (MBF) in the natural dentition with the help of a force-measurement device – gnathodynamometer, designed and constructed specially for the purpose of the study. Materials and methods: 80 students from FDM-Sofia, aged between 20 and 32, were tested. Each student was given instructions about the study and its method, and the tests were carried out thereafter. The tip of the force-measuring tensometric module of the gnathodynamometer was first placed in the area of the frontal teeth and the patient was asked to bite firmly, until the first signs of pain were felt. Afterwards the device was placed in the area of the first left molars and the first right molars. The whole study was repeated three times. The results were recorded in a specially designed table. Results: The clinical study indicated that the maximum bite force is significantly greater in male students as compared to female students. This phenomenon was observed during measurements in the three regions – frontal, left molars and right molars. It was found that in both genders the maximum bite force is greater in the distal regions as compared to the maximum bite force in the frontal region. Conclusion: Our research proves that the maximum bite force in male subjects is greater than that in female subjects. The values in the area of the left and right molars are almost equal, while the values in the molar regions are about 3 times greater than those in the frontal region