Relationship between mandibular dimensions and bite force: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to explore the possible relationship between mandibular dimensions and bite force. Subjects and Methods: Forty-one subjects (mean age 22.4 ± 1.6 years) were recruited from a pool of dental students and patients seeking dental treatment at the outpatient clinics, College of Dentistry, Taibah University. Digital panoramic radiographs were used and five angular and eleven linear measurements were taken. Comparisons were drawn between right and left sides and eating and non-eating sides using the Mann–Whitney test. Pearson correlation and multiple regression tests were used to assess the existence of any relationship between the bite force and mandibular dimensions. Results: No significant variations were detected in the bite force measurements between the right and left sides or between the eating and non-eating sides. Significant correlations were found between average and maximum posterior bite force and the inclinations of the lower first molar and the lower canine. Conclusion: No relationship exists between the mandibular dimensions and bite force except that the posterior bite force positively correlated with the inclinations of molars and canines.