Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of maximum bite force (BF) on mandibular dental malalignment (MDM) in subjects between 6 and 17 years of age. Methods: A total of 364 children and adolescents from three private schools from Medellín, Colombia were assigned to 4 age cohorts (ages 6, 9, 12 and 15 years). Each age cohort was evaluated for 3 consecutive years. Incisor (IBF) and molar (MBF) bite forces were assessed by using an occlusal force transducer. Peer assessment rating index was used to quantify the MDM. Results: Both, BF and MDM increased from 6 to 17 years of age. Multilevel analyses showed that the influence of the BF on MDM was only significant in age cohorts 6 and 9 and not in age cohorts 12 and 15 . The influence of IBF on MDM was inversely proportional while the infulence of MBF was directly proportional. Conclusions: In age cohorts 6 and 9, by increasing the IBF the MDM tended to decrease and by increasing the MBF the MDM tended to increase.