Functional occlusal forces: an investigation by telemetry.

In normal chewing the forces exerted on the occlusal surface seldom exceeded 10 to 15 pounds, as recorded by an eight-channel force transmitter in a removable fixed partial denture. Ninety-five percent of forces were less than 3.5 pounds for subject A, 2.0 pounds for subject B, and 10.0 pounds for subject C. The chewing frequency and the places of maximal force on the occlusal surface were relatively constant. The electromyographic chewing patterns could be considered normal in all circumstances. There was a remarkable statistically significant day-to-day variation in force values. The forces also changed for different kinds of food. The differences between maximum and minimum force values were highest in voluntary, nonfunctional movements.