| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 874635 | Journal of Biomechanics | 2007 | 8 Pages |
Late anterior crowding of teeth has been associated with the anterior component of force (ACF) developed during biting. Possible physiologic mechanisms countering ACF, including the presence of a posterior component of force (PCF), are hypothesized. In this self-controlled study, 60 subjects aged 27.05±3.9 years were examined for ACF and PCF that were calculated as the change in tightness of a mandibular dental contact points from non-biting to biting state. Both ACF and PCF were found to develop simultaneously. However, the PCF was 4–7 folds smaller than the ACF (p<0.001). The ACF progressively declined by 10–20 folds (p<0.001) from the posterior to anterior dentition. The lateral incisor–canine contact point had the greatest ACF decline (63–74%). ACF effect on the anterior dentition is counteracted by a protective mechanism consisted of PCF, progressive dissipation of ACF, and canine blockage.
