Occlusion, orthodontics and posture: are there evidences? The example of scoliosis

Abstract

The relationship between posture and occlusion has been a constant source of interest to health care professionals. However, a certain amount of confusion still beclouds in this connection because of the great variety of therapeutic approaches proposed for dealing with it as well as the lack of methodological rigor employed for most of the scientific studies published on it.This presentation addresses the questions raised by the connections between posture and occlusion as well as their therapeutic implications. A review of the literature shows that there is a lack of reliable experimental publications devoted to this subject. The data that is available points to the existence of this correlation and also asserts the prevalence of associations between cranio-facial anomalies and idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.In presenting the interactions between dental occlusion and posture published data tends to lend comfortable support for the subjective convictions and clinical impressions we have already formed. The physiological continuum tying occlusion to posture does not appear to be a univocal and linear relationship but instead a complex ensemble made up of numerous contributing factors.To find more answers we need to undertake basic and clinical research projects that could eventually establish the validity of a cause and effect relationship between dental occlusion and posture that would put therapy on evidencebased foundation [23,24].

Managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by integrating exercise therapy into therapeutic patient educational programs: why, when, how?

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