A mathematical model for hypothetical force distribution between opposing jaws.

In the present study we tested the hypothesis that the lower jaw was not simply a Class III lever in which bite force was simply related to jaw length. Dimensions considered relevant were measured on 58 (29 male) dry skulls housed in the Dart Collection. These values were then applied to a mathematical model in which were combined analyses of presumed forces in both sagittal and frontal planes. Our results show that calculated forces increase linearly along the model of a dental arch until a point Fmax is reached where calculated forces are maximized. Distal to Fmax there is a gradual drop off of force up to the posterior limit of the schematic dental arch. Point Fmax in models generated for males is at 56.54 mm and females at 53.31 mm from a baseline passing through the centroids of the glenoid fossae.