A Study on the Effects of Chewing Side Preference on the Pattern of Occlusal Contacts

저작습관에 따른 교합접촉의 변화양태에 관한 연구

The purpose of his study was to investigate the variations of occlusal contact pattern according to chewing side preference. The author selected 59 dental students (mean age 23.6 years) who had no signs and symptoms of masticatory disorders and divided into two groups, that is, bilateral chewing side group and unilateral chewing side group, respectively. For recording, T-Scan System(Teksan Inc., USA) was used and the recorded occlusal contacts were examined as to the number of occlusal contacts, points distribution in dental arch, time sequence and force snapshot. The obtained results were as follow s: 1. Total number of occlusal contacts were more in unilateral chewing side group and there were significant difference in number between right and left side or between chewing and less-chewing side in all two groups. 2. All items related to time sequence showed no statistical significant difference between two groups in any case. 3. Unilateral chewing side group had more occlusal contact force than bilateral group, especially in chewing side. From the above finding, the author considered that there was occlusal unbalance in unilateral chewing side group. 4. Chewing side preference would possibly have more effects on the occurrence rate of anterior tooth contact that the rate of prolonged their contact but proved.