Korean J Orthod.  1992 Jun;22(2):389-412.

An electromyographic investigation of masticatory muscles in normal occlusion and Class II malocclusion

• Kim YK
• Lee KS
• Park YG

Abstract

Along with form and function relationship of craniofacial growth comes a concern for the masticatory muscles with postnormal occlusion. It is the aim of this study to grope the certain differences upon the electromyographic activities of the masticatory muscles between normal occlusion and class II malocclusion during the varieties of oral functions. 26 persons of normal occlusion whose mean age were 18.9-25.6 years and another 26 persons of class II malocclusion whose mean age were 19.0-28.9 years served for this study. The electromyographic recordings processed by Medelec(R) MS 25 EMG apparatus were taken from the anterior and posterior temporal, and anterior and posterior masseter muscles of both sides, and suprahyoid muscles as well. Analyses of the data toward such specific activities as mandibular rest, maximal biting, chewing gums and swallowing peanuts turned out the following summary and conclusions. 1. The maximal mean amplitude of the posterior temporalis showed significant augmentation in class II malocclusion, however the anterior temporalis, posterior masseter, and suprahyoid muscles manifested meaningful diminutions. 2. Stronger posterior temporalis and weaker anterior masseter and suprahyoid muscles were arranged in maximal biting with parameters of maximal mean amplitude. 3. The anterior temporalis of working side expressed smaller maximal mean amplitude in class II malocclusion. Significant swelling in duration were shown at anterior and posterior temporalis of working side, and posterior temporalis of balancing side in class II malocclusion, and marked reduction at anterior masseter of balancing side and posterior masseter of working side as well. The lessened latency were expressed at anterior masseter of working side, and anterior and posterior masseter of balancing side. Class II malocclusion group had significant prolongation of silent period duration. Mean silent period duration of 10.75 msec in normal occlusion and 24.37 msec in class II malocclusion were calculated. 4. Significant augmentations of maximal mean amplitude while swallowing peanuts were yielded at right anterior temporalis and posterior temporalis of both sides, however left anterior masseter and right posterior masseter showed diminution. No significant differences in duration showed at every muscle examined in class II malocclusion group. 5. Weaker masseter and stronger temporalis were suggested as characteristics of class II malocclusion.

MeSH Terms

Arachis
Chewing Gum
Deglutition
Humans
Malocclusion*
Masseter Muscle
Masticatory Muscles*
Muscles
Chewing Gum