Bite force and occlusal contact area changes following mandibular widening using distraction osteogenesis

Objective. To examine changes in bite force and occlusal contact area after mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis using pressure-sensitive sheet (Dental-Prescale; Fuji Photo Film, Tokyo, Japan). Study design. Fifteen patients with transverse mandibular deficiency (6 to 9 mm, mean distraction interval: 8 mm) were examined. They were measured just before the operation and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. Ten control subjects with normal occlusion were also measured. Results. Both bite force and occlusal contact area were lowest at 1 month postoperatively. The values of bite force and occlusal contact area steadily increased thereafter. The bite force and occlusal contact area reached to the preoperative levels at 6 months after operation and slightly above the preoperative level at 12 months after operation. There were no statistically significant differences between 12 months and the control values for bite force measurements (P > .05). Conclusion. Although statistically not significant, this study suggests that mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis increases the bite force and occlusal contact area in patients with transverse mandibular deficiency.