Unveiling the Influence of the Curve of Spee on Bite Force and Chewing Ability: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim. To investigate the impact of the curve of Spee (CS) accentuation on bite force, chewing ability, and additionally, other factors that influence chewing ability and bite force such as restorations, caries, gender, habits, and TMJ problems. Materials and Methods. 231 participants (118 male and 113 female, mean age = ±27.96 years) were recruited for this cross-section study. Participants completed a data collection sheet in which age, gender, Angle’s classification of malocclusion, overjet, overbite, TMJ problems, habits, restorations, and caries experience were recorded. Two examiners made a lower impression, chewing ability test and measured the bite force for each participant. Measurement of the CS was obtained digitally from the poured dental cast, and the categorization was as follows: flat (<1 mm), normal (1-2 mm), or deep (>2 mm). Results. The mean maximum bite force (MBF) was 468.722 N for participants with flat CS, 389.822 N for normal CS, 647.08 N for deep CS, and 384.667 N for reverse CS. The average MBF was higher for participants with deep CS (p<0.05). MBF force was higher in males. However, BMI was not significantly related to MBF values. Participants with normal and flat CS have comparable chewing capacity (p>0.05). Also, a significant difference in bite force and chewing ability was found between the three categories of CS (p<0.05). Conclusion. Bite force variations across various CS types were linked to gender and habits. Chewing ability showed no differences concerning gender, habits, TMJ problems, caries, or restorations, emphasizing CS’s significant impact on bite force while showcasing the unchanged nature of chewing ability amidst diverse factors.

Correlation between Depth of the Curve of Spee and Some Specific Malocclusion Characteristics in a Population from Sibiu County, Romania—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The COS plays a vital role in the field of restorative dentistry by guiding the design of dental restorations and prostheses [10]. It is essential to accurately replicate the natural occlusal curve in order to achieve optimal functional efficiency and aesthetic balance [11].…”

“…It is essential to accurately replicate the natural occlusal curve in order to achieve optimal functional efficiency and aesthetic balance [11]. To adequately simulate the natural alignment of the teeth, it is necessary to accurately replicate this shape in comprehensive dental restorations [10][11][12].…”