Correlation of masseter muscle thickness and intermolar width - an ultrasonography study.

BACKGROUND To determine the association between the thickness of masseter muscle and the maxillary dental arch width. To explore the influence of gender on masseter muscle thickness. MATERIALS & METHODS Seventy subjects (35 females and 35 males) of age 18 to 25 years were selected for the study based on class I molar relationship. The masseter muscle thickness of the right and left sides in every subject were found out through ultrasound scanning of the muscle, in both relaxed and clenched states. The maxillary dental arch width was measured on the study model with an electronic caliper. Student t test, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was performed to assess the sample. RESULTS Masseter Muscle Thickness showed a positive correlation with Maxillary Dental Arch Width r ≤0.74. The masseter muscle thickness is greater in male subjects in both relaxed (0.001<p <0.00) and contracted state. CONCLUSION Masseter muscle thickness influences the growth of the jaws. Increase in masseter activity leads to an increased growth in transverse and sagittal dimensions, and decreased growth in vertical dimension. Key words: Masseter Muscle Thickness, Maxillary Dental Arch Width, Ultrasound. How to cite this article: Tircoveluri S, Singh J R, Rayapudi N, Karra A, Begum M, Challa P L. Correlation of Masseter Muscle Thickness and Intermolar Width - An Ultrasonography Study. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(2):28-34.