Comparative evaluation of bite force between healthy individuals and treated cases of isolated mandibular fractures

Aim and objectives: To compare the bite forces between healthy individuals and treated cases of isolated
mandibular fractures.
Material and method: This prospective study consisted of 10 patients with isolated mandibular fractures, requiring
open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with miniplates for study group. Control group consisted 10 healthy
individuals with. Each group consisted individual with the age ranging from 18 to 60 years. The bite force was
measured by the digital gnathodynamometer, immediately after IMF removal at 2nd, 4th, 8th week’s interval and 3,
6, 9 months.
Result: Bite force generated by patients treated with ORIF with miniplates remains low as compared to normal
healthy individual till 4th post-operative week. From 4th week to 9 months it steadily increases. It was also noticed
that the increase in the bite force values from 3 to 9 months was less compared with other individuals.
Conclusion: It was observed in our study that mandibular fractures have a negative impact on maximum bite
forces. Bite forces bring the body closer to normal over time, but it does not totally restore normaly.