Electromyographic analysis of the masseter and temporal muscles in posterior crossbite correction

Ana Maria M. RODRIGUES, Fausto BÉRZIN, Vania C. V. SIQUEIRA

Aim: this paper evaluated the relation between the orthodontic correction of the posterior crossbite and the activity pattern of the Masseter and Temporal muscles. Methods: the authors carried out orthodontic and electomyographic studies on twenty children (11 girls and 9 boys) ranging between 7 and 9 years of age. All individuals presented posterior crossbite which was corrected using removable orthodontic appliance. The bilateral electromyographic analysis of muscles Masseter and Temporal was conducted in two muscle conditions and in four different periods. Conditions: a) at rest; b) random mastications. Periods: a) before the establishment of removable appliance; b) 30 days after the establishment of appliance; c) right after correction of crossbite; d) 30 days after appliance was removed. Results: the analysis of data showed that there was slight decrease of Masseter muscle activity at rest, increasing gradually until the end of period d in study. During random mastication condition the data showed increased activity. The activity in Temporal muscles decreased 30 days after the establishment of orthodontic appliance and remained low until the period in study. Conclusion: the data suggests that Masseter and Temporal muscles increased their activities due to orthodontic treatment.

Keywords: Dental posterior crossbite. Orthodontic treatment. Masticatory muscles. Electromyography.

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