Relationship between occlusal force and mandibular condyle morphology. Evaluated by limited cone-beam computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the relationship between occlusal force and mandibular condyle morphology using clinical data.


METHODS
The subjects were 40 female patients with malocclusion. The mandibular condyle morphology was assessed by using limited cone-beam CT imaging. The maximum occlusal force was calculated by using pressure-sensitive films. Maxillofacial morphologies were analyzed by using data from lateral cephalograms.


RESULTS
Correlation analysis showed that the occlusal force was correlated with the lateral and posterior radii of the condyles, and with the mandibular plane angle to the Frankfort horizontal plane (FH). Moreover, condylar length was significantly correlated with the occlusal plane angle to the FH, the mandibular plane angle to the FH, the ramus inclination, and the posterior facial height (S-Go). Low-occlusal-force patients tended to have smaller mandibular condyles. This size-related difference was more remarkable on the lateral and posterior side.


CONCLUSIONS
Occlusal force influences not only maxillofacial morphology but also mandibular condyle morphology.
Orthodontic Science, Department of Orofacial Development and Function, Division of Oral Health Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. aya1122rsw@yahoo.co.jp
Aya
A
Kurusu
Mariko
M
Horiuchi
Kunimichi
K
Soma
D001732:Bite Force; D002508:Cephalometry; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D055815:Young Adult