title: The relationship between bite force and oral sensation during biting in molars.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In prosthodontic treatment, the occlusal form should be designed such that bite force is applied at the position that has higher load-bearing capacity and is comfortable for the patient. The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in bite force and occlusal sensation with different loading positions on the occlusal surface.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Bite force and occlusal sensation were measured at five loading points on the upper and lower left first molars. Occlusal sensation was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bite forces on the lingual side of the upper first molar and the buccal side of the lower first molar were significantly higher and VAS scores were significantly lower, i.e. the subjects felt less discomfort during biting on the buccal side of the upper first molar and the lingual side of the lower first molar compared to the other side of each molar.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Loading on the occlusal surfaces of the functional cusps of the upper and lower first molars produces more load-bearing capacity and is more comfortable than loading on the non-functional cusps.
authors.affiliation: Fixed Prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. r.ogura.fpro@tmd.ac.jp
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ogura
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Okada
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Foxton
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Miura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001732:Bite Force; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D012677:Sensation; D016474:Weight-Bearing