Analysis of masticatory movements in children using three-dimensional dynamic simulation model

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In order to investigate the developmental steps of stomatognathic function, we have researched into mandibular movement, masticatory muscle activity, occlusal facet and occlusal force of children with of normal occlusion. These results clarified that children showed the different characteristics in stomatognathic function from adults. However, to estimate biomechanical development of occlusal function in growing children, dysfunction of malocclusion, and recovery process from the masticatory dysfunction through the treatments, the visual estimation of mandibular movements in three-dimensions must bring us much more benefits in this research aspect. The computer simulation technology is widely used for analyzing movements of solid structures in the industrial world. This method is also thought to be useful for analyzing teeth, mandibular dentition and teeth contact situation, however to apply this method into the field of dentistry, various and accurate parameters must be obtained to make solid dentition models, and dynamic characteristic of mandible and head during mastication. In this study, we could gain the three-dimensional precise structure on primary dentition, the muscle activity balance of masticatory muscles during chewing, the characteristics of head movement during open-close movement of mandible, and the characteristics of mandibular movement in children with primary anterior reverse bite. These parameters were used for making the solid dynamic models to analyze the situation of occlusal contact. Then, computer graphics were used to visually display changing occlusal contact area during lateral excursions in the primary dentition, the occlusal contact area of each tooth was quantified, and occlusal contact occurred at the primary second molars on both the working and non-working sides during lateral excursion.Further studies are needed to evaluate the mandibular movements using computer simulation.