TMJ

Effect of the dental arches morphology

on the masticatory muscles activities
in normal occlusion young adults
Teresa Sierpinska1, Piotr Jacunski1, Joanna Kuc2, Maria Golebiewska2,
Aneta Wieczorek3, Stanislaw Majewski3
1
Department of Dental Technique, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, 2Department of Prosthetic Dentistry,
Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, 3Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian
University, Cracow, Poland

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the morphology of dental arches
and the activity of the masticatory muscles activities in healthy volunteers with full natural dentition.
Methods: Two-hundred youthful Class I volunteers (113 females, 87 males) were clinically investigated.
Alginate impressions of dental arches were taken, and plaster casts were prepared and measured. EMG
data from eight masticatory muscles was recorded to assess their activities in central occlusion, lateral and
protrusive movements.
Results: Clinical measurements and plaster casts analyses confirmed normal values of parameters
investigated. Most of the arch measurements were significantly larger in the males than in the females.
Weak positive correlations were found between overbite and masseter activity in centric occlusion (the right
Mm R50.151, P#0.05; the left Mm R50.191, P#0.05). Also, the range of protrusive movement positively
correlated with masseter activities in central occlusion (the right Mm R50.194, P#0.05; the left R50.201,
P#0.05).
Conclusions: The null hypothesis that morphology of dental arches does not affect the masticatory muscles’
activities was rejected. The findings of this investigation indicate that systemic, longitudinal analyses of
morphology of occlusion and muscular response, even in normal subjects, are needed.
Keywords: Dental arches morphology, Overbite, Overjet, Masticatory muscle activity, Occlusal parameters

Introduction each other in occlusion. The coordination of occlusal

The study of dental anatomy, physiology and occlu-
sion provides one of the basic components of the skills
needed to practice all phases of dentistry. For some
clinicians, the general principle that becomes operant
is ‘‘form follows function.’’ It reflects a concept of
interrelating the shape or attributes of something with
its function. The form of the teeth is consistent with the
function they are to perform and with their position
and arrangement in the structures involved in oral
motor behavior, especially mastication.1 From the
occlusal surface point of view teeth are positioned on
the maxilla and the mandible in such a way as to
produce a curved arch. Both dental arches contact
Correspondence to: T. Sierpinska, Department of Dental Technique,
Medical University of Bialystok, Washington Str. 13, 15-276 Bialystok,
Poland. Email: teresasierpinska@net.bialystok.pl
ß W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2015
134 DOI 10.1179/2151090314Y.0000000005 CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice
contacts, jaw motion, and tongue movement during
mastication requires a very intricate control system
involving a number of guiding influences from the
teeth, their supporting structures, the temporoman-
dibular joints, the masticatory muscles, and the higher
centers in the central nervous system.2,3 The dynamic
occlusion refers to the occlusal contacts that are made
while the mandible is moving, relative to the maxilla.4
The mandible is moved by the muscles of mastication,
and the pathways along which it moves are determined
not only by these muscles but also by two guidance
systems. The posterior guidance system is provided by
temporomandibular joints. The anterior guidance
system refers to the relation between anterior teeth
being in contact during eccentric movements of the
mandible.4,5 The application of force from the muscles
through occlusal contacts results in a load that could
2015 VOL. 33 NO. 2
 Sierpinska et al. Dental arches morphology and functional parameters

produce damage to tissues.4 The purpose of guidelines

of good occlusal practice is to reduce the risk of
damage occurring to the interrelated tissues of the
masticatory system, and increase the chances of a
healthy function.6 Although occlusal relationships
such as overbite, non-working side interferences and
a discrepancy between the intercuspal position and the
retruded contact position have often been considered
as contributing factors to temporomandibular dys-
function, there is no consistency among even those
studies that support such an occlusal factor.7,8
However, in the relationship between all the elements
of the masticatory system, it appears to be clear that
there is not one statistically confirmed theory explain-
Figure 1 Maxillary plaster cast width measured between 17
ing how they relate to each other.9–11 and 27.
The aim of this investigation was to assess the
relationship between the morphology of the dental 5. any complains concerning pain in any region of
arches, the masticatory muscle activities, and the the masticatory system;
occlusal parameters in this group of young adults with 6. prosthetic treatment before recruitment to the
study.
full natural dentition and normal-appearing occlusion.
Ethical approval
Material
This protocol was approved by the Ethical
Two hundred healthy, fully dentate Caucasian partici-
Committee of Jagiellonian University, Poland, with
pants (F5113, M587) with Angle’s class I occlusion,
an approval number of KBET/89B/2009. Informed
18–21 years of age (mean: 1961 years) were included in
consent was obtained from each participant at the
this study. The data were collected in the Department of
beginning of the study before confirmation of their
Prosthodontics at the Medical University of Białystok,
eligibility for the study. The participants were able to
Poland, and the protocol conformed to the criteria of
withdraw from the study at any time and for any
The Helsinki Declaration, ICH Guideline for Good
reason without prejudice.
Clinical Practice.12 All of the subjects participated in the
study voluntary. They were recruited from the high Methods
schools in Bialystok, Poland, and qualified for the study All of the participants were clinically examined with
only if they had no past contact with either of the inve- assessment of overbite, overjet, the range of maximal
stigators or instruments involved in the investigation. opening, the range of lateral movements, and pro-
trusive movement.
Inclusion criteria
The alginate impressions of the maxilla and
Inclusion in the study required participants to satisfy
mandible were taken, and plaster casts were pre-
the following criteria:
pared. Subsequently, maxillary and mandibular plas-
1. class I molar and canine relations; ter casts were measured. The measurements were
2. full natural dentition with well-aligned arches; as follows: the length and width of dental arches
3. overbite and overjet within normal range (normal
between canines, between premolars, and between
ranges: 3.260.7; 3.260.4);
4. proper occlusal vertical dimension with well- molars separately for the maxilla and the mandible
related vertical, transverse, and antero-posterior rela- (Figs. 1–3). The same investigator, familiar with the
tionships; methods used, performed all the clinical data and
5. normal growth and good health. laboratory measurements.
Electromyographic examination of the muscle
Exclusion criteria activity levels of four pairs of the masticatory muscles
Subjects were excluded from the study when they was performed. The anterior temporalis, the super-
demonstrated: ficial masseter, the anterior belly of the digastric, and
1. previous orthodontic treatment;
the sternocleidomastoid muscles, were all recorded
2. edentulous spaces and extensive fillings; simultaneously with the BioEMG (BioResearch, Inc.,
3. history of trauma; Milwaukee, WI, USA), which was synchronized with
4. significant cuspal wear; the T-Scan II (Tekscan, Inc., South Boston, MA,

CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice 2015 VOL . 33 NO . 2 135
Sierpinska et al. Dental arches morphology and functional parameters

Figure 2 Maxillary plaster cast length measured between 17
and 27.
USA). T-Scan II allowed assessment of the time of
occlusion and the time of disclusion as the parameters
describing occlusion. (The data recording rate for T-
Scan was 100 frames/second). The sample rate for each
channel of EMG data was 1000 samples/second. The
filtering of the EMG data was to a bandwidth from 30
to 500 Hz. The T-Scan II/BioEMG software continu-
ously time-stamps both data streams to synchronize
them. This allows for simultaneous acquisition of
occlusal function and the muscle activity that produces
occlusal function.13 For each subject, the maximal
clench in centric occlusion and lateral excursive
movements were recorded three times, with 1 minute
of rest between recordings. The same, well-qualified
and trained investigator made all of the EMG/T-Scan
registrations.
A statistical analysis of all of the studied attributes
was carried out. In the case of quantitative attributes,
average and dispersion measures were used, i.e.
arithmetic mean and standard deviation. A Student’s
two-tailed t-test was used to determine if the differences
in the parameters analyzed between the male and
female groups were significant. The strength of relation-
ships between pairs of measurable parameters was
determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and
Figure 3 The length of the model measured from the central
incisors contact point perpendicular to the distance between
16 and 26 (B) or 17 and 27 (A).
its significance was assessed also using Student’s t-test
to evaluate the correlation coefficient.
In order to evaluate intra investigator error, 10
maxillary and 10 mandibular plaster casts were re-
measured after four weeks. Their mean differences were
evaluated using Student’s paired t-test and Pearson’s
correlation coefficient to determine significance.
The intra-subject variability was assessed by
repeated EMG/occlusal analyses of 10 randomly
chosen persons. Two different investigators per-
formed three independent measurements on each of
10 persons. The measurements were performed every
other day according to the same protocol and data
analysis. Accuracy and precision were assessed by
computing the intra-class correlation coefficient and
the Student’s paired t-test.
Differences and relationships were considered to be
statistically significant at P,0.05.
Results
Clinical measurements regarding overbite, overjet,
maximal opening, the range of lateral movements and
the range of protrusive movement revealed normal
values of the parameters investigated (Table 1).
However, significant differences between female and

Table 1 Clinical examination results in study, female and male groups. Means and SD are presented

Study group (n5200) Female (n5113) Male (n587)

Mean 6SD Mean 6SD Mean 6SD

Overbite (mm) 3.11 1.82 3.06 1.62 3.17 2.02

Overjet (mm) 2.30 1.54 2.41 1.34 2.19 1.73
Maximal opening (mm) 51.16 9.24 49.09* 9.50 53.31* 8.49
Lateral movement left (mm) 9.60 2.74 9.42 2.74 9.79 2.74
Lateral movement right (mm) 9.98 2.70 9.75 2.60 10.22 2.80
Protrusive movement (mm) 6.43 2.38 5.79* 2.17 7.12* 2.42

Note: *Significant difference between female and male groups (two-paired Student’s t-test, P#0.05).

136 CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice 2015 VOL . 33 NO . 2
 Sierpinska et al. Dental arches morphology and functional parameters

Table 2 Maxillary and mandibular plaster casts analyses in study, females and males groups. Means and SD are
presented

Study group (n5200) Female (113) Male (87)

Parameter Mean 6SD Mean 6SD Mean 6SD

Maxilla 13–23 33.80 2.38 33.34* 2.19 34.27* 2.47

14–24 36.47 2.31 35.96* 2.08 36.96* 2.42
15–25 41.42 3.21 40.69* 2.98 42.19* 3.28
16–26 47.18 3.28 46.22* 2.57 48.18* 3.64
17–27 52.91 3.07 51.97* 2.21 53.89* 3.51
Length between 16 and 26 101.02 5.43 99.60* 5.63 102.47* 4.82
Length between 17 and 27 121.38 6.03 119.65* 5.67 123.18* 5.89
A 29.65 2.63 29.21* 2.62 30.10* 2.58
B 15.57 2.13 15.29 1.63 15.84 2.51
Mandible 33–43 25.71 1.85 25.54 1.86 25.88 1.84
34–44 30.61 2.01 30.19* 1.70 31.03* 2.20
35–45 36.11 2.95 35.42* 2.59 36.84* 3.13
36–46 42.23 2.83 41.44* 2.45 43.07* 2.98
37–47 47.64 3.23 46.83* 2.57 48.47* 3.63
Length between 36 and 46 91.81 5.08 90.12* 4.79 93.59* 4.78
Length between 37 and 47 112.94 5.75 111.43* 5.32 114.51* 5.79
A 25.46 2.46 25.12* 2.42 25.83* 2.46
B 10.87 2.03 10.55* 1.78 11.19* 2.21

Note: A: length of the arch measured from the point between central incisors contact point and t.
B: length of the arch measured from the point between central incisors contact point.
*Significant difference between female and male groups (two-paired Student’s t-test, P#0.05).

male groups were observed for the ranges of maximal
opening and protrusive movement. The male group
demonstrated larger values of these two parameters
listed above.
Maxillary and mandibular plaster cast analyses
demonstrated normal ranges of width and length
between points measured. Higher values were
obtained for males for most of the parameters
measured, and they were statistically significant
compared to females (Table 2).
Analysis of the masticatory muscle activity levels
for the masseter, anterior temporalis, sternocleido-
mastoid and digastric muscles in centric occlusion
and during lateral movements for female and male
groups were presented in Tables 3 and 4. Significant
differences were observed between male and female
groups for masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles
in centric occlusion. Regarding lateral movements,
the statistical significance between groups analyzed
was noted only for masseter activity levels, both for
the right and left movements. Analyzing T-Scan occlusal
timing parameters, the normal range of values was
noted both in centric occlusion (mean50.17 seconds)
and lateral movements (mean50.24 seconds). Statistical
difference was not observed between genders (Table 5).
Relationships between parameters obtained in
clinical measurements, plaster casts measurements,
and functional analysis revealed weak significant
positive correlations between overbite and the right
and left masseter activities in centric occlusion (right
Mm, R50.153, P#0.05; left Mm, R50.191, P#0.05)
(Figs. 4 and 5). Also, the range of protrusive move-
ment revealed a weak positive correlation with
masseter activities in centric occlusion (R50.194,

Table 3 Muscular activities in central occlusion during maximal clench in study, females and males groups. Means and
SD are presented

Study group (n5200) Female (113) Male (87)

Mean 6SD Mean 6SD Mean 6SD

TA-R (mV) 72.14 38.75 72.48 40.29 71.78 37.26

TA-L (mV) 73.91 42.29 71.76 39.86 76.18 44.80
MM-R (mV) 115.14 59.38 106.09* 57.76 124.67* 59.88
MM-L(mV) 104.65 54.60 93.64* 48.36 116.24* 58.53
SCM-R (mV) 9.92 7.78 8.62* 5.05 11.29* 9.72
SCM-L (mV) 9.92 6.95 8.93* 5.41 10.97* 8.16
DA-R (mV) 17.22 8.35 17.17 8.71 17.27 8.00
DA-L (mV) 15.36 7.48 15.07 6.73 15.66 8.23

Note: TA: temporalis anterior; MM: masseter; SCM: sternocleidomastoid; DA: digastric; R: right; L: left.
*Significant difference between female and male groups (two-paired Student’s t-test, P#0.05).

CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice 2015 VOL . 33 NO . 2 137
Sierpinska et al. Dental arches morphology and functional parameters

Table 4 Muscular activities during lateral movements in study, females and males groups. Means and SD are presented

Study group (n5200) Female (113) Male (87)

Mean 6SD Man 6SD Mean 6SD

TA-R (RM) 72.32 35.26 72.81 33.97 71.79 36.74

TA-L (RM) 67.41 36.75 66.21 34.06 68.67 39.53
MM-R (RM) 107.04 57.45 89.86* 57.27 114.59* 56.97
MM-L(RM) 98.70 50.37 89.96* 48.88 107.89* 50.54
SCM-R(RM) 8.42 6.97 7.94 6.18 8.92 7.72
SCM-L(RM) 7.99 5.79 7.77 5.46 8.21 6.13
DA-R (RM) 14.37 8.35 14.87 9.83 13.84 6.45
DA-L (RM) 11.64 4.88 12.03 4.81 11.24 4,96
TA-R (LM) 63.74 33.95 66.09 32.99 61.25 34.94
TA-L (LM) 71.76 36.83 69.74 35.43 73.89 38.33
MM-R (LM) 103.58 55.67 95.10* 51.95 112.51* 58.29
MM-L(LM) 99.76 54.32 87.53* 46.68 112.63* 58.89
SCM-R(LM) 8.26 7.75 7.97 6.42 8.55 8.95
SCM-L (LM) 8.51 7.37 8.17 5.76 8.87 8.76
DA-R (LM) 14.11 9.29 14.37 11.09 13.83 6.98
DA-L (LM) 11.76 5.96 11.97 6.48 11.53 5.40

Note: TA, temporalis anterior; MM: masseter; SCM: sternocleidomastoid; DA: digastric; RM: lateral movement into right; LM: lateral
movement into left.
*Significant difference between female and male groups (two-paired Student’s t-test, P#0.05).

P#0.05; R50.201, P#0.05), (Figs. 6 and 7). When
analyzing one hundred models, a statistically sig-
nificant weak correlation was observed between the
length of the dental arch, measured between the
maxillary first molars (16–26), and the anterior
temporalis activity levels in centric occlusion
(R520.255, P#0.05; R520.225, P#0.05) (Figs. 8
and 9). However, when the number of the models
measured increased to 200, this correlation was no
longer significant.
Discussion
It is obvious that morphology affects function in the
human body. The male body construction in the
Caucasian population is customarily stronger, and
the morphologies of all of the elements are bigger in
size, the dental arch length, and width are also larger
in males compared to females.14,15 It was confirmed
without any doubt in the study presented. Clinical
characteristics of functional analyses revealed the
normal range of values for overbite, overjet, maximal
opening, the range of lateral movements, and
protrusion. Moreover, they were recorded from
subjects without any complaints of the temporoman-
dibular joint. This confirms that the participants
followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this
study. And, it is interesting to note that the values of
the maximal opening and protrusive movement
ranges were significantly larger in males.
The values obtained from plaster model measure-
ments were comparable with previously published
normal range of values for Angle’s class I subjects in
this age group. However, some authors mentioned
that during longitudinal observation, the dental arch
width of young adults was slightly narrowed from
adolescence dependent on mandibular first molars’
mesiolingual rotation and maxillary molars’ upright
displacement during late occlusal development, but
they also indicated the wide variability of the
changes.16 From this point of view, data that did
not reveal such changes also appeared to be clear.17
Morphologies of teeth and subsequently dental
arches form interocclusal contacts. It is well known
that muscular activities are influenced by the extent of
occlusal contacts;3 however, it was also confirmed
that occlusal stability would be more important in
muscular function.18–20 It is controversial whether the
extent of occlusal contacts are more important in
neuromuscular coordination or if only the presence
of teeth and dental roots with their receptors

Table 5 Occlusal analysis in study, females and males groups. Means and SD are presented

Study group (n5200) Female (n5113) Male (n587)

Mean 6SD Mean 6SD Mean 6SD

Occlusion time 0.17 0.07 0.16 0.07 0.17 0.07

Disclusion time left 0.24 0.07 0.24 0.07 0.23 0.07
Disclusion time right 0.24 0.08 0.25 0.08 0.23 0.08

138 CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice 2015 VOL . 33 NO . 2

Figure 4 Regression analysis between overbite and mus-
cular activity levels of right masseter in central occlusion.
localized in periodontal membranes and supporting
tissues play the key role.2
Several investigators reported a strict relationship
between dentofacial morphology and mastication (related
to electromyography of masticatory muscles, fiber direc-
tion and the cross sectional area of the muscles).21–23
However, jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles appeared
to be similarly valid in this correlation.24
Muscles analyzed in the research were anteriores
temporalis, masseters, digastric, and sternocleido-
mastoids. Masseters are active during closing and
may assist in protrusion of the mandible. Anteriores
temporales may act as synergists with masseters in
clench. Digastric muscles are active during various
phases of jaw opening, whereas the sternocleidomas-
toid muscle often co-contracts with jaw clenching.1
Symmetry and synergy appear to be the most
important in the proper muscular function during
open/close and protrusive movements. When any
parafunctional activities (clenching, grinding, different
Figure 5 Regression analysis between overbite and mus-
cular activity levels of left masseter in central occlusion.
CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice
Sierpinska et al. Dental arches morphology and functional parameters
Figure 6 Regression analysis between the range of protru-
sion and muscular activity levels of right masseter in central
occlusion.
intraoral habits) occur, the muscular system may
respond by prolongation of muscular activity and
derangement in its function.5,19 Muscular hyperfunc-
tion causes an increased mechanical loading of the
jaws.15 In any case, it may lead to temporomandibular
joint dysfunction.5
It is very interesting to note that anterior overbite
has some effect on muscular activity of masseters
in maximal intercuspation. A similar finding was
published in Japan, when the relationship between
the dentofacial morphology and the function of
masticatory muscles were analyzed.24 In contrast,
some investigations did not report such a finding.25
The disagreement between both studies could have its
source in the different methods used for muscular
activities measurements.24 A longitudinal study con-
ducted in Brazil revealed that during the seventh year
period of an evaluation, the overbite increased in the
Figure 7 Regression analysis between the range of protru-
sion and muscular activity levels of left masseter in central
occlusion.
2015 VOL . 33 NO . 2 139
Sierpinska et al. Dental arches morphology and functional parameters
Figure 8 Regression analysis between length of maxillary
arch between 16 and 26 and muscular activity levels of
temporalis anterior right in central occlusion.
normal occlusion of adults.17 However, the reason for
the finding was not explained. It would be reasonable
to hypothesize that long-term high muscular activities
of elevating muscles (i.e. masseters) might lead to an
increased overbite. The rationalization of this finding
would project that the alveolodental ligaments could
allow the tooth to be pressed into alveoli, altering
relations between front teeth. As a matter of fact, the
overbite and overjet relate to the anterior guidance
system, which can be changed through orthodontic,
prosthetic and sometimes also conservative treat-
ment.5 However, these correlations are not clear and
well documented with regard to muscular activities.
In the light of the study presented above, such a
correlation could exist, but it demands future, more
detailed investigation.
The data presented demonstrated the significant
correlation between masseter activity in clench and
the range of protrusive movement. It is possible to
explain this finding since the masseters cooperate with
lateral pterygoids during contraction in protrusive
movement with the teeth in very light occlusion.1,5
The findings of the investigation did not indicate
the relationship between morphology of dental arches,
muscular activities and occlusal parameters, even if
fewer numbers of the models analyzed could suggest
that such a relation could exist. The authors’ method
of investigation was focused on plaster model analysis.
Some other investigations concerning the problem
mentioned above related to the morphological ana-
lyses were performed on lateral cephalograms. They
found a significant relationship between dental arch
width and facial vertical morphology.15 However,
studies involving the effect of the bite force on the arch
width did not indicate any relationship.26 On the other
hand, there are some contrary opinions that emphasize
140 CRANIOH: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice
Figure 9 Regression analysis between length of maxillary
arch between 16 and 26 and muscular activity levels of
temporalis anterior left in central occlusion.
a significant relationship between mandibular length
and jaw closing muscles.27
Although the null hypothesis that the morphology of
dental arches could affect masticatory muscle activities
was rejected, some limitations of the study require
discussion. Even though the protocol of clinical
investigation and plaster cast analysis appears to be
clear and common, perhaps more detailed measure-
ments concerning not the only morphology of dental
arches, but also their occlusal characteristics should be
undertaken. Functional analysis made with T-Scan II/
BioEMG could influence the subject’s behaving during
the investigation. One previous study questioned the
thickness of the T-Scan occlusal sensor, claiming that it
may affect the mechanics of occlusion and lead to
invalid tooth contact data.28 However, in that study,
the sensor was cut in half and placed only on one side
of the arch, and as a consequence, they did not obtain
a balanced response from the muscles. In the light of
the data presented in this and other studies, their
finding appears to be invalid.
The findings of this investigation indicate that
systemic, longitudinal analyses of morphology of
occlusion and muscular response in normal subjects
are required.
Conclusions
1. Measurements of the maxillary and mandibular
dental arches revealed statistical differences between the
females and males in this large, youthful, normal group.
2. Muscular activities of masseters in clench and
during lateral movements were sufficiently different
between the females and males of the group.
3. The muscular activities of the masseters in centric
occlusion exhibited a weak positive correlation between
the amount of overbite and the range of protrusive
movement.
2015 VOL . 33 NO . 2

4. The morphology of the dental arches has limited
influence on masticatory muscle activities.
Disclaimer Statements
Contributors Special thanks to John Radke for his
guidance in the preparation of this manuscript.
Funding Polish Ministry of Education and Research.
Conflicts of interest All authors contributed to the
work and the final version of the manuscript has been
seen and approved by all co-authors. There is no
conflict of interest between all the co-authors. This
research was financially supported by a grant from
the Polish Ministry of Education and Research
(no. 40358139).
Ethics approval The protocol conformed to the
criteria of The Helsinki Declaration, ICH Guideline
for Good Clinical Practice This protocol was approved
by the Ethical Committee of Jagiellonian University,
Poland, with an approval number of KBET/89B/2009.
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