Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different occlusion types based on the Eichner classification index on the quantitative features of the masseter muscle by using USG and to evaluate whether these features differ according to age and gender in Turkish subpopulation. METHODS: The thickness and elasticity values of the masseter muscle were performed. Images were acquired bilaterally in the resting position and maximum intercuspidation. The significance level was set as p = 0.05. RESULTS: Measurements of 120 people showed that the thickness of the right masseter muscle was lower in women compared to men, both when relaxed and when contracted. The thickness of the left masseter muscle was also lower in women when it was contracted. This difference is significant (P < 0.01). The thickness of the right and left masseter muscles at rest in individuals aged 55 and over was significantly less than those in the 18-35 age range (P < 0.01). The thicknesses of the right and left masseter muscles at rest were lower in individuals in the Eichner C3 category, while in the contracted state, they were lower in individuals in the B3 and B4 categories. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider these variations in demographic and dental status when designing dental and orthodontic interventions. Taking these factors into account can improve chewing ability and customize treatments better, which may lead to better results for patients of different backgrounds. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: Not applicable.