Human bite force discrimination using specific maxillary and mandibular teeth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether performance differences existed in subjects'' self-generated bite force discrimination ability using maxillary and mandibular central incisors, canines, premolars and first molars. Two separate studies were conducted: (i) to assess whether performance differences existed in subjects'' bite force discrimination ability using central incisors and premolars; (ii) to compare subjects'' performance on bite force discrimination using central incisors, canines and first molars. Assessment of bite force was measured using a specially designed strain gauge scale allowing subjects to visually monitor when their biting force equalled a preset resistance. Resistance forces of 500, 1000 and 3000 g were selected as standards. Subjects were presented with a series of paired resistance settings, one at a time, the first of each pair being the standard and the second being the comparator setting of a predetermined amount. This paired-comparisons procedure was continued until the subjects'' difference limen (DL) value (the threshold of discrimination between two forces) could be established. The first study revealed no significant (P > 0.05) overall difference in subjects'' bite force discrimination ability relative to specific teeth. In contrast, in the second study a significant difference (P < 0.05) was identified in subjects'' performance relative to specific teeth; subjects performed better using central incisors compared to first molars. In both studies, subjects'' performance was significantly better (P < 0.05) using the 500 g standard compared with the 3000 g standard in the first study, and compared to the 1000 g standard in the second study. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the performance of males and fmeales in either study.