Association between the interarch distance and food bolus size in the early phase of mastication

The effects of food bolus size on interarch distance were examined in three dimensions with sphere-shaped gelatin (5 to 25 mm diameters). Interarch distance in the early phases of chewing indicated a significant linear relation (p<0.001) to food bolus size. The correlation coefficients were high particularly at the second and third opening sequences. At the first opening sequence during ingestion, interarch distance for small bolus of less than 15 mm was nearly constant and relatively wider than the bolus size. Practical information for determining the interincisal distance in prosthodontic treatment is provided.