Relationship between Occlusal Force and Mandibular Condyle Morphology

Objective: To clarify the relationship between occlusal force and mandibular condyle morphology using clinical data. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 40 female patients with malocclusion. The mandibular condyle morphology was assessed by using limited cone-beam CT imaging. The maximum occlusal force was calculated by using pressure-sensitive films. Maxillofacial morphologies were analyzed by using data from lateral cephalograms. Results: Correlation analysis showed that the occlusal force was correlated with the lateral and posterior radii of the condyles, and with the mandibular plane angle to the Frankfort horizontal plane (FH). Moreover, condylar length was significantly correlated with the occlusal plane angle to the FH, the mandibular plane angle to the FH, the ramus inclination, and the posterior facial height (S-Go). Low-occlusal-force patients tended to have smaller mandibular condyles. This size-related difference was more remarkable on the lateral and posterior side. Conclusions: Occlusal force influences not only maxillofacial morphology but also mandibular condyle morphology.