Maximal bite force with centric and eccentric load.

Premolar bite force was measured conventionally with a pressure transducer. During biting the tips of the buccal cusps made contact with the transducer. It was shown that the maximal bite force increased significantly if the eccentric load on the upper premolar was made centric and axial with respect to the transducer by covering the whole occlusal surface of the tooth with a plastic filling. Possible neurophysiological explanations of the difference in bite force are discussed. It is concluded that biting on a pressure transducer with an eccentric load cannot give a fair estimation of the true value of the maximal bite force during clenching in the position of intercuspidation.