Static Strain Distribution in a Human Dry Skull under Simulated Unilateral Clenching

The skull copes with occlusal force dynamically. The dynamic phenomenon is mainly concerned with protecting teeth and periodontal tissue, restoring good occlusion by prosthodontic treatment, and developing many masticatory organs. Accordingly, the influence of light and hard tensile force and unilateral clenching duration in static strain distribution on dry skull was assessed by using an experimental model to simulate masseter and temporalis muscles. The results were as follows: 1. The static strain distribution on a dry skull varied significantly by the tensile force of masticatory muscles. 2. The static strain distribution on a dry skull varied significantly by unilateral clenching duration. 3. The influence of the tensile force of masticatory muscle and unilateral clenching duration was found on the frontal bone, parietal bone, temporal bone, and zygomatic process of temporal bone in relation with the attachment area of the masseter and temporalis muscles. 4. The influence of the tensile force of masticatory muscles and unilateral clenching duration was small in the calvaria, and masseter and temporalis muscles were not related to maxilla and palatine bone.