Symmetrical Dental Occlusion Blocking - What are the Required Changes of Pressure Distribution to be Clinical Relevant?

Abstract

Background: Symmetrical dental occlusion blocking (bicuspid region) is used in dentistry as a quick diagnostic test (“Meersseman test”) to check a possible influence of the temporomandibular system (TMS) on the movement system. Immediate effects between occlusal blocking and rest position on body sway and weight distribution in general and for both genders and for four age decades should be evaluated.Methods: 725 (396f/329m) healthy subjects (neither subjective signs of TMD nor acute/chronic complaints in the musculoskeletal system) volunteered (21 to 60 years) while both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. A pressure measuring platform was used. The postural control (body sway and weight distribution) was recorded in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking (bicuspid region) by cotton rolls. Results: The frontal sway reduced by 0.67mm (t(724) = -3.9 (p < 0.001)) and the sagittal sway by 0.33mm (t(724) = -3.4 (p < 0.001)). The relative pressure under the forefoot left increased by 0.33% (t(724) = 2.88 (p < 0.001)) and the relative pressure overall under the forefoot increased by 0.67% (t(724) = -3.4 (p < 0.001)). Gender-specific and age-specific reactions cannot be recorded.Discussion: In all subjects the postural sway improved slightly when blocking the occlusion ("Meersseman test") compared to the rest position. There is a slight shift of weight on the forefoot, especially the left forefoot. There exist no age- and gender-specific differences. Clinically relevant differences should apply outside the data between the 1st and 3rd quantile.