A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MASTICATORY EFFICIENCY AND OCCLUSAL CONTACTS IN CLASS II PATIENTS TREATED WITH UPPER PREMOLAR EXTRACTIONS AND FIXED FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES.â€

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare changes in masticatory efficiency and the functional occlusal contact relationship in patients treated with upper first premolar extraction cases and case with Fixed Functional Appliances (non-extraction cases). Materials and Methods: Two groups with ten patients each were selected. Group I was treated with upper first premolar extraction while Group II cases were treated with Fixed Functional Appliance (MPA IV). Masticatory efficiency was checked using spectrophotometry while occlusal contacts were checked using Tek Scan. Records were taken atT1: After completion of levelling and alignment and T2:- After space closure in upper first premolar extraction cases and after 6 months of Fixed functional appliance placement. Results: There was a significant difference during inter group comparison however during intra group comparison no statistically significant difference was found for masticatory efficiency. When compared between the two groups, there was reduced occlusal contact in Group I and increased duration for performing different movements. Conclusions: Skeletal Class II patients when treated with Fixed Functional appliance (non-extraction), there was an increase in masticatory efficiency, as they are corrected to Class I malocclusion. When compared between the two groups, there were reduced occlusal contact in Group I and reduced duration for performing different movements.

Key words: Masticatory efficiency, occlusal contacts, Fixed Functional appliance