Evaluation of the maximum tongue and lip pressure in individuals with Class I, II, or III Angle malocclusions and different facial types

PURPOSE: To compare the maximum anterior and posterior tongue pressure, tongue endurance, and lip pressure in Class I, II, and III malocclusions and different facial types. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was carried out in 55 individuals (29 men and 26 women) aged between 18 and 55 years. The participants were divided into groups according to Angle malocclusion (Class I, II, and III) and facial type. The maximum anterior and posterior tongue pressure, tongue endurance, and maximum lip pressure were measured using the IOPI (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument). To determine the facial type, the cephalometric analysis was accomplished using Ricketts VERT analysis as a reference. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the maximum pressure of the anterior and posterior regions of the tongue, the maximum pressure of the lips, or the endurance of the tongue in the different Angle malocclusion types. Maximum posterior tongue pressure was lower in vertical individuals than in mesofacial individuals. CONCLUSION: Tongue and lips pressure, as well as tongue endurance in adults was not associated with the type of malocclusion. However, there is an association between facial type and the posterior pressure of the tongue.