Malocclusion and posture — can crooked teeth misalign the spine?

Aim of the study: Background: This systematic review aims to evaluate the relationship between craniocervical posture and sagittal skeletal malocclusions, focusing on cervical curvature, head posture, and the influence of skeletal classification on craniofacial development. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2015 and January 2025.

Results: Variations in cervical vertebral morphology were also observed, especially in relation to head posture and craniofacial structure. However, considerable heterogeneity was noted among studies regarding sample populations, measurement techniques, and classification criteria. Conclusions: This review highlights a strong interrelationship between craniocervical posture and sagittal skeletal classification, with potential clinical implications for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships and improve orthodontic management strategies.

Aim of the study: (1) Background: This study aimed to perform a literature review related to disk displacement (DD) in class II malocclusion or cervical vertebrae position alterations and to report a hypodivergent case with cervical pain and right anterolateral DD with reduction, left anterolateral DD with reduction, and left joint effusion.

Results: (1) Background: This study aimed to perform a literature review related to disk displacement (DD) in class II malocclusion or cervical vertebrae position alterations and to report a hypodivergent case with cervical pain and right anterolateral DD with reduction, left anterolateral DD with reduction, and left joint effusion. (2) Methods: A structured electronic search was conducted between March 2022 and April 2022, without time limits, following PRISMA guidelines, in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane; the terms "disc displacement", "disk displacement", "temporomandibular joint", "class II malocclusion" and "cervical vertebrae" are searched.

Aim of the study: The association between craniocervical posture and craniofacial structures in the various sagittal skeletal malocclusion during different growth stages has been the focus of intense interest in fields of orthodontics, but it has not been conclusively demonstrated.

Results: Cervical inclination variables were greater in skeletal Class III than in skeletal Class II. Variables of craniofacial morphology and craniocervical posture are more correlated during the pubertal growth period and later in patients with sagittal skeletal malocclusion. A tendency is an indication of the close interrelationship that a more extended head was in skeletal Class II while a flexed head was in skeletal Class III. Nevertheless, with the considerations of some limitations involved in this study, further longitudinal studies with large samples are required to elucidate the relationship clearly.

Aim of the study: Although the history of opinions regarding poor posture as an etiologic factor for deviant dentofacial development and malocclusions is old, very few controlled studies on this topic have been done. Most of the articles are anecdotal or describe subjective clinical impressions.

Results: Most of the articles are anecdotal or describe subjective clinical impressions. Some studies do present valid material, but unfortunately they often do not provide enough information about the methods for postural recording. Based on selected studies, this review concludes that there is plausible evidence for an increased prevalence of Angle Class II malocclusions associated with hyperlordosis of the cervical spine and an increased risk of lateral crossbite in children affected by scoliosis and torticollis. Also, documentation of associations between anterior crowding and head posture seem convincing.

Aim of the study: In preorthodontic children with Class II malocclusion and horizontal maxillary overjet, cervical column morphology was examined and related to craniofacial morphology and head posture for the first time.

Results: Deviations in the cervical vertebral column morphology occurred significantly more often in the skeletal overjet group (28%) compared with the dentoalveolar overjet group (17%) (P <0.05). Fusion anomalies were associated with a large sagittal jaw relationship, retrognathia of the jaws, large inclination of the jaws, and extended head posture (P <0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, a partial cleft was significantly associated with a large cranial base angle (P <0.01). New associations were found between cervical column morphology, craniofacial morphology, and head posture in preorthodontic children with horizontal maxillary overjet. These findings are considered important for diagnostics and thus for a more accurate treatment plan of these patients.

Aim of the study: We compared photogrammetry-assessed body posture between young adults with and without unilateral posterior crossbite (UPCB). Assessments were controlled by vision, mandibular position and sitting/standing position. In addition, we aimed to determine the relationship between UPCB laterality and the direction of body posture using photogrammetry and a static postural platform.

Results: In total, 36 adults (left UPCB = 12; Right UPCB = 6; controls = 18) participated. There were significant differences between the control and UPCB groups in horizontal alignment at the acromion (p = 0.035) and ASIS (p = 0.026) levels when controlled by visual input and mandibular position. No significant differences in horizontal alignment or foot pressure distribution were observed by laterality in the UPCB group. The presence of UPCB affects static body posture, but the side of crossbite is not related to the direction of effect on static body posture.