Optimum Mandibular Position Guide By Use Of Emg Activity And Intra-Oral Tracer

Lee, Seung Ho; Kang, Dong Wan

Abstract

Jaw relations and the recording methods have been controversial aspects of dentistry. The purpose of this study was to quantify the relative muscle activity of the masseter and temporal muscles in relation to different intermaxillary relations recorded by intra-oral tracer during maximal clenching and to decide the optimal mandibular position. Ten volunteers with healthy TMJ were studied. Intra-oral tracer was assembled and bite block was fabricated in the articulator. Intra-oral tracer was placed in the mouth, and four mandibular positions were recorded. EMG activity was recorded on a BIO-PAK system (Bio-Research Associates, Inc. USA.) in masseter and temporal muscle and compared in each mandibular positions. The results were as follows: 1. In comparison with maximum intercuspation, the chewing position was the most similar followed by tapping position, myocentric position and posterior border position. However the differences were not statistically significant. 2. In comparison of bilateral symmetry of masseter muscle, tapping position was the most symmetrical followed by chewing position and maximum intercuspation. Myocentric position and posterior border position were not symmetrical. (P<.05). 3. In comparison of bilateral symmetry of anterior temporal muscle, chewing position was the most symmetrical followed by posterior border position, maximum intercuspation, myocentric position and tapping position. However the differences were not statistically significant. 4. In comparison of proportionality of anterior temporal muscle to masseter muscle activity on left side, posterior border position was the greatest followed by myocentric position, tapping position, chewing position and maximum intercuspation. And the proportionality of posterior border position was greater than that of maximum intercuspation. (P<.05). 5. In comparison of proportionality of anterior temporal muscle to masseter muscle activity on right side, myocentric position was the greatest followed by posterior border position, tapping position, maximum intercuspation and chewing position. However the differences were not statistically significant.