Masticatory force

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Masticatory Force

Masticatory force (pronunciation: mas-ti-ka-tory force) is a term used in dentistry and oral biology to describe the force exerted by the jaw muscles during the act of chewing or mastication.

Etymology

The term 'masticatory' is derived from the Latin word 'masticare', which means 'to chew'. The term 'force' is derived from the Latin word 'fortis', which means 'strong'.

Definition

Masticatory force is the measure of the pressure exerted by the mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw) when they come together to chew or grind food. This force is generated by the contraction of the masticatory muscles, primarily the masseter muscle, the temporalis muscle, and the medial pterygoid muscle.

Related Terms

  • Bite Force: The maximum force that can be generated between the upper and lower teeth.
  • Occlusal Force: The force exerted between the teeth during biting and grinding.
  • Masticatory Muscles: The muscles involved in the act of mastication or chewing.
  • Mastication: The process of chewing food in preparation for swallowing and digestion.

Measurement

The measurement of masticatory force is important in various fields such as prosthodontics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. It can be measured using various methods, including bite force meters, pressure-sensitive films, and electronic transducers.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the masticatory force is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of various dental disorders, including temporomandibular joint disorders, bruxism, and malocclusion. It is also important in the design and fitting of dental prosthetics such as dentures and dental implants.

External links

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