Distribution of main occluding area and associated factors in adolescents.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the distribution of the main occluding area in adolescents. Furthermore, the importance of the main occluding area was clarified by examining its interrelationship with oral function and craniofacial morphology.

Methods: A total of 102 patients were included in this study. The main occluding area was identified using a previously described method. Maximum occlusal force, occlusal contact area, lip-closing force, tongue pressure, and masticatory efficiency were measured to evaluate oral function. Craniofacial morphology was assessed using lateral cephalography.

Results: In terms of the degree of consistency of the main occluding area, the proportion of cases in which two matches were obtained among three trials was the highest. The most common main occluding area was the first molar. Regarding the anteroposterior position of the hyoid bone, the anteroposterior distance between the hyoid bone and the menton (Me-H) was significantly shorter in the group where the first molar was used for occlusion, relative to the group in which second premolar was used.

Conclusion: The main occluding area in adolescents was less stable than that in adults and older adults; however, first molars accounted for most of the main occlusion areas, suggesting that the position of the hyoid bone might play a role in establishing their location.