Maximal bite force and its associations with spinal posture and craniofacial morphology in young adults.

Maximal bite force (MBF) and its associations with craniofacial morphology and spinal posture were studied in a group of young adults (46 M and 38 F) aged 21 to 23 years. MBF was recorded in molar and incisal regions. Sagittal spinal posture was measured by spinal pantography and trunk asymmetry at thoracic and lumbar levels by a forward-bending test. Craniofacial variables and posture of the cervical spine were examined from lateral cephalograms taken in a natural head position. No statistically significant correlations existed between MBF and spinal posture, but significant correlations did exist between MBF and craniofacial variables, especially in women.