Can the Treatment of Dental Malocclusions Affect the Posture in Children?

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the treatment of the dental malocclusions can affect the postural attitude in children.

Study design: Sixty patients aged 9-12 years in mixed dentition were enrolled. The patients underwent an orthodontic evaluation for dental malocclusion and a postural examination by means of a vertical laser line (VLL) and a stabilometric-baropodometric platform. The children were treated with a functional appliance according to the type of malocclusion for two years. The position of the head and of the atlanto-occipital joint (C0-C1) respects to the VLL, the typologies of podalic support and the distribution of the body weight on the feet were evaluated before and after the orthodontic treatment.

Results: A significant correction of the position of the head, with a physiological extension of C0-C1, a significant improvement of the typology of podalic support and a homogeneous distribution of the body weight on the feet were observed after the treatment of the malocclusions. Conclusion; From our results, the treatment of dental malocclusion can contribute to ameliorate the postural attitude in children.