Changes in the masticatory cycle after treatment of posterior crossbite in children aged 4 to 5 years

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the masticatory cycle after occlusal adjustment through coronoplasty on deciduous teeth (selective grinding) and composite resin occlusal guidance for posterior crossbite correction. Methods: Nineteen children, aged 4 to 5 years, with functional posterior crossbites diagnosed at their clinical examinations, were selected. Analyses of masticatory cycles, including lateral excursive movements, were performed before and after treatment by using kinesiographic examinations in the 3 reference planes (frontal, horizontal, and sagittal). The examinations were done during bubble-gum chewing. The data were submitted to sign, Mann-Whitney, and paired t tests concerning the variables: left maximum lateral movement, right maximum lateral movement, total lateral movement (LM), vertical movement (VM), anteroposterior maximum movement, maximum lateral movement (MLM), and total maximum lateral movement (TMLM). Results: The treatment produced increased TMLM, a significant increase of the MLM opposite the crossbite, no statistically significant difference of the crossbite side, and a significant decrease of LM. Left crossbite children showed significant decreases in the LM after treatment; right crossbite children showed significant increases in VM after treatment. Conclusions: Functional crossbite treatment with selective adjustment and occlusal guiding changed masticatory cycle patterns, producing larger horizontal and vertical planes. The cycles became more symmetric in the frontal plane, increasing the tendency of bilateral alternate mastication.