A review of masticatory muscle function

Current reports of the actions of the major muscles of mastication are reviewed for clenching tasks in centric occlusion and eccentric jaw positions, mandibular opening, and unilateral chewing. The relationship of the mandible to the maxillae in the intercuspal position and, consequently, the relationship of the condyle to the fossa of the temporomandibular joint may be controlled by the clinician. Similarly, the number and site of tooth contacts in the intercuspal position and in eccentric jaw positions may be altered. These alterations all produce alteration of muscle activity during functional and parafunctional acts. Some of these alterations are now predictable. Nevertheless, much more study needs to be done before the outcomes of morphologic changes on the muscular system can be accurately predicted. Even now, however, clinicians must understand the nature of clenching and chewing muscle activity and how it can be altered to a more favorable situation for each individual. This review indicates that: The elevator muscles demonstrate maximum activity when even bilateral occlusal contacts occur during clenching in the intercuspal position. The elevator muscles are activated together in the intercuspal zone of tooth contact during chewing when the occlusal contacts are balanced bilaterally in this intercuspal position. Increasing the number of eccentric tooth contacts increases the muscle activity during both chewing and clenching. The medial pterygoid muscle is variable in its action. This variability appears to be related to the chewing pathway and the type of occlusion. Its action is enhanced during laterally directed chewing actions of the mandible. The inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle has a reciprocal role with the medial pterygoid muscle during chewing and contributes to forward and lateral bracing of the condyle of the mandible. Although the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle appears to be active during mandibular closing, the significance of this finding is not fully understood.