Association between malocclusion and posture

Background: There is a close relationship between general health and the condition of the stomatognathic system. Postural disturbances trigger compensatory changes throughout the body, including the maxillofacial region. Several studies have explored the potential association between posture and the temporomandibular joint, but quantitative data and clinical implications of this relationship remain limited. Aim: To investigate the impact of malocclusion on body posture parameters. Methods: Pathological mandibular displacements were simulated in 10 individuals without symptomatic temporomandibular joint disorders, tooth loss, or dentofacial abnormalities, with simultaneous assessment of postural parameters. Occlusal changes were accompanied by raster stereographic light-optical analysis of spinal and postural deviations using the Diers Formetric 4D system. The measurement results were compiled into tables for each participant, indicating the clinical significance of changes (green, yellow, and red zones). Results: Rasterstereographic parameters were recorded in subjects with intact dentition in centric occlusion. Alterations in mandibular position led to postural changes, reflecting shifts in temporomandibular joint-related structures. The most statistically significant changes were in vertical spine deviation (56.0%) and lateral spine deviation (28.0%) within the red zone, as well as thoracic kyphosis angle (44.0%). Mandibular protrusion (34.3%) and increased occlusal height (31.5%) had the greatest effect on postural parameters. Conclusion: The conducted study clearly demonstrated an association between the position of the stomatognathic system structures and the axial skeletal structures. Mandibular position influenced various rasterstereographic indicators, including vertical and lateral spinal deviation, pelvic tilt and torsion, vertebral rotation, and spinal curvature angles (kyphosis and lordosis). Vertical spinal deviation and kyphosis angle were most affected, with mandibular protrusion and increased occlusal height causing the most significant postural changes. These findings are important for interdisciplinary management of malocclusion and posture correction.