Assessment of masticatory patterns in children with normal and distal occlusion

Relevance. The evaluation of masticatory patterns in children with normal and distal occlusion is essential for identifying potential morphological and functional disorders of the maxillofacial region and determining the need for corrective interventions.

Objective. To examine masticatory patterns in children with normal occlusion and distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1).

Materials and Methods. The study encompassed a total of 104 children aged 9 to 12 years, who were allocated into two groups: 67 children with distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1) and 37 children with normal occlusion. The evaluation was conducted over a period of six months.

Results. In children with normal occlusion, the proportion exhibiting a grinding-chewing pattern increased from 62.2% to 73% after 3 months but declined to 24.3% by the 6-month mark (p < 0.001). Conversely, in children with distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1), the prevalence of the grinding pattern increased from 38.8% to 58.2% after 3 months (p = 0.018) and further to 80.6% after 6 months (p = 0.018).

Conclusion. The proportion demonstrating a grinding-chewing pattern increased from 62.2% to 73% after 3 months; however, it subsequently declined to 24.3% by the end of the 6-month period (p < 0.001). In contrast, among children with distal occlusion (Class II, Division 1), the prevalence of the grinding-chewing pattern increased from 38.8% to 58.2% after 3 months (p = 0.018) and further rose to 80.6% at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.018).

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