Transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in different masticatory patterns

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in the posterior region of the maxilla and mandible in subjects with different patterns of mastication, comparing both sides of the arches according to the performance of the masticatory function. Methods: 39 subjects not orthodontically treated, with normal occlusion or symmetrical malocclusion, and normal periodontal condition were selected. Twenty-one subjects (54%) were identified as having preferential unilateral mastication, 11 subjects (28%) had bilateral mastication and 7 (18%) had exclusive unilateral mastication. All participants were submitted to CBCT and the buccolingual dimension of the posterior regions was evaluated at a height of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10mm from the alveolar crest. Results and Conclusion: Subjects with bilateral mastication showed statistically significant difference between the right and left sides at the heights of 6 (p=0.030) and 8mm (p=0.023) between the first and second maxillary premolars. There was no difference in the transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in the posterior regions of maxilla and mandible between preferred and non-preferred sides in subjects with preferred unilateral mastication and between right and left sides in subjects with bilateral mastication