# Effect of acrylic splints on bite force among dentulous patients

## TL;DR

Using acrylic splints during bite force measurements reduces the maximum bite force recorded due to discomfort, according to a study on 20 dentulous participants.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on how acrylic splints affect bite force measurements in dentulous individuals.

## Key findings

- Bite force decreased by an average of 21.9 N when using an acrylic splint.
- 80% of participants preferred measuring bite force without a splint due to discomfort.
- The mean bite force without a splint was 243.25 N, compared to 221.3 N with a splint.

## Abstract

Splints are commonly used in dentistry while measuring the bite force for the protection of teeth. Therefore, it is of interest to
evaluate the influence of using an acrylic resin splint during bite force measurement on maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF). MVBF was
recorded at the right 1st molar region on 20 participants showing a significant reduction with the splint (mean difference: 21.9 N,
p=0.01). Without a splint, the mean bite force was 243.25 N (SD=59.96), whereas with a splint, it dropped to 221.3 N (SD=45.76).
Discomfort was the primary reason for the decrease in MVBF, with 80% of participants preferring without splint method, highlighting
challenges in their application.