Light Clenching Differentially Affects Balance Ability According to Occlusal Contact Stability

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of occlusal contacts based on the left–right distribution of the occlusal contact area, divide participants into well-balanced and unbalanced groups, and clarify the effect of light clenching on the balance ability. Methods: Forty-one healthy men completed occlusal contact examinations with pressure-sensitive films, and the participants were allocated to the balanced occlusal contact (BOC) group or the unbalanced occlusal contact (UOC) group. The balance ability was measured using a center of gravity sway meter. The static balance in standing and dynamic balance using the cross test were assessed. Measurements were performed in the mandibular rest position (RP) or with light clenching (LC). Differences in the balance ability between the participant groups due to clenching and correlations between the static and dynamic balance were analyzed. Results: Differences in the balance ability due to clenching were observed only in the BOC group, with the static balance higher with LC, and the dynamic balance higher in the RP condition (p p p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that occlusion affects the postural control when occlusal contact is stable but does not affect the postural control when occlusal contact is unstable.

Keywords

• postural balance
• postural control
• posture sense
• occlusion
• balanced dental occlusion
• occlusal equilibration