title: A model for optimum functional human jaw movements based on values associated with preferred chewing patterns.
abstract: Jaw movements during voluntary chewing were recorded from 15 normal subjects with a sirognathograph. A computer program was used to provide a graphic display of the closing strokes in the frontal plane. A record was made of the side from which the jaw approached a central occlusal position. An average of 90 closing strokes was recorded for each subject. In 10 of the subjects, statistical differences were found between the use of the right- and left-hand sides. In these subjects this preference was confirmed by analysis of results from a second set of observations. A model was derived, using multiple regression analysis, which identified a relationship between four jaw-movement variables and an index of preference. A broad chewing pathway, with a bilateral distribution, together with a wide sagittal pathway were characteristics associated with preference. An indication of optimal jaw-movement patterns may be derived from identifying movement variables associated with preferred chewing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Tygerberg, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wilding
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lewin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003748:Dental Equipment; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology*; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013997:Time Factors