Maximal Mandibular Movements among Tanzanian Children
Abstract
Aim: To determine the maximal mandibular movements among Tanzanian children.
Subjects and Methods: Analysis of archived data from 869 subjects aged 3½ -16 years of whom 51%
were girls. The emergence status of the permanent teeth was determined and classified into four
categories. The study variables were maximal mandibular movement capacity vertically, in
laterotrusion and protrusion.
Results: The mean maximum mandibular opening ranged from 43.8 to 55.8 mm between emergence
stages of the dentition. The mean values for maximal mandibular movements in laterotrusion and
protrusion ranged between 6.3 mm and 7.9 mm at the lowest and highest emergence stage among girls
and boys. The mean of the maximum mandibular opening for both sexes increased with the
emergence stage of the dentition. Conclusion: Sex and emergence stage of the dentition had
significant influences on mandibular maximum opening, laterotrusion and protrusion. Similar studies
on maximal mandibular movements in different Tanzanian children strata are recommended
Downloads
Author(s) and co-author(s) jointly and severally represent and warrant that the Article is original with the author(s) and does not infringe any copyright or violate any other right of any third parties, and that the Article has not been published elsewhere. Author(s) agree to the terms that the IJRDO Journal will have the full right to remove the published article on any misconduct found in the published article.
