Occlusal contact area, occlusal pressure, bite force, and masticatory efficiency in patients with anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint

The occlusal contact area, occlusal pressure, bite force, and masticatory efficiency were measured in 48 patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The results were compared with those of 30 normal controls without TMJ dysfunction. The values of occlusal contact area, bite force, and masticatory efficiency measured in patients with ADD were significantly smaller than those measured in the controls, although there was no difference in occlusal pressure between the two groups. The results of the measurements of 22 patients with ADD with reduction were also compared with those of 26 patients with ADD without reduction. There was no difference in any measurement between these patients subgroups. The analysis of occlusal contact area, bite force, and masticatory efficiency appeared to be useful methods in documenting the fact that masticatory function was impaired in patients with ADD of the TMJ.