Centric Slide, Bite Force and Muscle Tenderness Changes Over 6 Months Following Fixed Orthodontic Treatment

Abstract Objective: The postorthodontic change of the masticatory muscles was evaluated using three parameters: maximal voluntary bite force (MVBF), slide in centric (difference between maximal intercuspation and retruded contact position), and muscle sensitivity to palpation. Materials and Methods: MVBF was measured with a custom-made rubber tube bite force device, centric slide with a digital caliper, and sensitivity to palpation of the masseter and temporalis muscles (scale 0–3) during application of standardized digital force (10 N). Data were collected at four time points: T0, before bracket removal; T1, immediately after bracket removal; T2, after 3 months of retention; and T3, after 6 months of retention. Patients (n = 41; 22 females, 19 males; mean age 17.4 ± 5.4 years) were examined from T0 to T1 and from T1 to T2. Of these, 28 (15 females, 13 males) were followed at T3. Results: Immediately after bracket removal (T0 to T1), MVBF increased significantly by 15%. Another significant increase (15.5%...