Influence of the Neck Posture on the Masticatory Apparatus in Children

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to determine the peculiarities of influence of the neck posture on masticatory apparatus in children. Materials and Methods: We reviewed lateral cephalometric radiographs of 22 children, 10 girls, and 12 boys (mean age 12 years). Steiner cephalometric analysis and analysis of the upper cervical spine, which was available on corresponding cephalometric radiographs, were performed. In addition to cephalometric analysis, the angle between the McGregor line and the base of C2 (Oc-C2), the angle between the base of C1 and C2, and the angle between C2 and C5 were determined. Spearman’s correlation was computed to assess the relationship between neck sagittal plane posture and cephalometry results. Results: The strong correlation between sagittal neck posture and positioning of the incisor teeth was determined. We found, that the more lordotic is the neck and kyphotic or frontal tilted is the occipital position, the more the position of the incisors is altered towards open bite. Oc-C2 angle had a negative correlation with the Max1-NA (1-NA) angle (r (20) = - 0.63, p = .002), and 1uNA (r(20) = -0.65, p = .001), and positive with interincisor (II) angle (r (20) = 0.55, p = .007). C1-C2 angle had a negative correlation with 1uNA (r(20) = -0.50, p = .017). C2-C5 angle was found to have an opposite relation with incisors: negative correlation with II (r(20) = -0.55, p = .006), positive with Max1-NA (r(20) = 0.44, p = .038), Max1-SN (r (20) = 0.45, p = .031) and Mand1-NB (r(20) = 0.42, p = .048). The upper cervical vertebrae positioning in the sagittal plane is in strong relation with incisors positioning and can be the cause of open bite or vice versa. Conclusions: Based on cephalometry radiographs analysis we can consider the relation between the neck vertebrae posture and masticatory apparatus to be significant. Neck sagittal alignment is strongly related to the occipital tilt and has a strong correlation with incisors proclining, meaning the increase in spinal lordosis angle is related to forward occipital tilt and an increase in interincisor angle, resulting in upper incisor proclination.