Evaluating the role levers in Occlusion

Abstract

Lever is a solid part that can turn on a fulcrum. There are three types of fulcrums. The efficacy of a lever system is measured by mechanical advantage. The first type of lever has the most and third type has the least mechanical advantage. The situation of muscles attachments and direction of forces on teeth in mandible is similar to lever type 3 and therefore, the muscles, bones and teeth can bear occlusal forces. If a destructing contact develops, this lever system will change and cause damaging effects on stomatognathic structures.