LAUSR

Abstract Objectives To evaluate masticatory performance through the colorimetric method in individuals with good overbite, in comparison with patients who present with anterior open bite. Materials and methods The sample consisted of 16 individuals, divided into two groups: G1 (good overbite group, the control group), with n = 8; and G2 (anterior open bite group, the experimental group), n = 8. The masticatory performance tests started with the use of masticatory capsules. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, with a significance level of U ≤ 0.05, to be compared with the fuchsine levels released. Results Masticatory performance showed higher absolute values for G1 than G2; however, from the Mann-Whitney nonparametric statistical test, it was shown that, for U ≤ 0.05, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. Although G1 (control group) presented absolute mean values higher than those of G2, no statistically significant differences were observed in relation to the values of masticatory performance between the groups. Conclusion Patients with anterior open bite might have no impairment in masticatory efficiency.