Isometric bite force and its relation to dimensions of the facial skeleton

Abstract

Maximum voluntary isometric bite force was recorded at the incisors and at the molars in 29 healthy females aged 19–23 years. The relationships between the variations in bite force and dimensions of the facial skeleton were studied by means of linear simple and multiple regression analyses.

There was a high correlation between incisor and molar bite force. Bite force was mainly associated with a long mandible and a small gonion angle. 49% of the variation in incisor bite force could be explained by variations in the length of the mandible, the gonion angle and the length of the anterior cranial base. 56% of the variation in molar bite force could be explained by variations in the length of the mandible, the gonion angle and a long maxilla.