Computation of forces acting in temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles during mastication.

The article presents a study on the forces that act on masticatory muscles and temporomandibular (TM) joint on mastication. The study utilizes three-dimensional (3D) model of mandible and skull which was experimentally analyzed for chewing force with the use of a 3D force micro sensor. Results show that the calculated TM joint forces are higher on the specimen balance side while smaller on the bolus side, which indicates that the calculated muscle forces are higher on the bolus side.