Electromiographic Evaluation and Skeletal Parameters of Patients Requiring Orthodontic Treatment

The relationship between form and function within the craniofacial complex has been investigated by several Authors. However, there is still controversy regarding the different electromyographic activation patterns of the elevator muscles of the jaw. One particularly contentious area of enquiry is whether it is facial morphology that determines the strength of muscle activation, or whether a strong musculature can influence skeletal growth processes.

In light of the aforementioned considerations, the objective of the current clinical observational study was to investigate the potential correlation between the electromyographic activity of selected masticatory muscles (masseter, anterior temporalis and suprahyoid) and the craniofacial morphology of subjects under examination, with a particular focus on elucidating the mechanical advantage derived from different sagittal relationships between the maxillae. The electromyographic evaluation is carried out before the beginning of the orthodontic treatment (T0).