This issue of Bite Back focuses on putting a real-life face to the issues surrounding excessive bite force.
Bite Force Analysis: The Key to Transitioning Treatment Plans Into Action
Dentists are skilled at diagnosing functional issues such as bite force, however, communicating the urgency for treatment to patients can be difficult. Measuring bite force using the Innobyte can demonstrate the need for treatment unequivocally.
Case Study Of Craig
At 33 years old, Craig was concerned with the look of his teeth and smile. He felt that his teeth had become “flattened” in appearance leading him to see his dentist.
Courtesy of Dr. Dan Hagi, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, (A)FAAID
Using Bite Force
His dentist used the Innobyte to measure his bite force which came back with a reading of 1470 Newton, one of the highest his dentist had ever measured, putting Craig in the “excessive” range and well over the 650 to 1000 Newton bite force that is considered normal. To put this measurement in perspective, 1470 Newton is equivalent to a force of 330 pounds or 150 kilograms!
Did you know that a Cheetah has a bite force of 1800 Newton and a Lynx has a bite force of 1000 Newton? This puts Craig’s bite force right between these two fierce predators
Craig had a minimal gingival infection, little periodontitis, and light previous restoration work. Tooth number 2,6 (first upper left molar) had cracks in the enamel and a fracture in the tooth was suspected due to the excessive bite force measured.
Courtesy of Dr. Dan Hagi, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, (A)FAAID
Transitioning treatment recommendation to the treatment plan
Concerned with protecting Craig’s teeth, his dentist prescribed the use of a night guard for sleep. The use of the splint reduced Craig’s bite force by 45% to 810 Newton. After wearing the splint for several months, Craig reported that his jaw felt better, and he was now considering changing the appearance of his teeth.
Using significant reconstruction procedures, his dentist rebuilt his bite, changing his occlusal scheme, giving anterior guidance, and protecting the molars. His dentist also restored the length of his teeth and the aesthetics of his smile. Craig’s actual bite force remained unchanged, but his dentist was able to redirect the force through the reconstruction techniques, the use of the night guard and an Essex appliance during the day, and the use of a sport guard during activities such as weightlifting, thereby protecting his teeth.
The Innobyte gave Craig a visible measure of the cause of his flattened teeth appearance as well as a reason to invest in and be compliant with the best treatment plan for him.
The Innobyte
Putting evidence into practice
With Innobyte, you may cut chair time and increase treatment plan acceptance. Patients see an easy to understand number that helps them better understand proposed treatments.
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