The influence of orthognathic surgery on masticatory performance in retrognathic patients.
Surgical correction of retrognathism may influence chewing performance and its underlying mechanisms selection and breakage of food particles. In this study we examined the hypothesis that treatment of this anomaly improves chewing performance. Furthermore, we determined to what extent this change can be attributed to selection and breakage of food particles. Eleven patients were tested before and 1-1.5 years after surgery. To determine chewing performance, eight cubes of 8 mm of a silicone rubber (Optosil) were used as a test food. Selection and breakage were determined in one-chew experiments using three particle sizes. On average, no differences were found for chewing performance, selection or breakage. However, on an individual basis, patients with a poor chewing performance before surgery tended to improve, whereas no improvement was observed for patients with a good chewing performance. The change in chewing performance was mainly due to a change in breakage of the food particles.
van den Braber
W
W
Department of Head and Neck, Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van der Bilt
A
A
van der Glas
H W
HW
Bosman
F
F
Rosenberg
A
A
Koole
R
R
D000328:Adult; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010316:Particle Size; D011184:Postoperative Period; D063173:Retrognathia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012828:Silicones
D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D012828:Silicones; C031243:OV-225