A COMPLEX APPROACH TO THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION: RATIONALE FOR THE INCLUSION POSTUROLOGICAL SCREENING

Relevance. Modern dentistry is witnessing a steady increase in the number of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), necessitating the development of a comprehensive approach that considers the stomatognathic system as part of the musculoskeletal system. Despite data on the relationship between occlusion and postural balance, standard diagnostic algorithms often lack objective methods to assess this relationship. Aim. Based on an analysis of current literature, to substantiate the necessity of including posturological and stabilometric screening in the diagnostic protocol for patients with TMD to improve the effectiveness and stability of rehabilitation. Materials and methods. An analytical review of sources selected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY, and Cyberleninka databases for the period 2015–2025 was conducted using keywords related to TMD, occlusion, posturology, and stabilometry. The final selection included 26 relevant publications. Results. The literature analysis confirmed the existence of a neurophysiological and biomechanical relationship between occlusion, TMJ status, and postural control. It was shown that various mandibular positions have a statistically significant effect on postural balance. Key mechanisms of this relationship were identified: disrupted proprioceptive afferent input from the trigeminal system and changes in muscle chain activity. Studies demonstrate that patients with TMD have significantly lower postural stability parameters, and the nature of their changes during teeth clenching depends on the type of disorder. Conclusion. The inclusion of stabilometry in the comprehensive diagnostic protocol for TMD provides an objective criterion for treatment effectiveness. Improvement in stabilometric parameters after using an occlusal stabilization appliance indicates normalization of TMJ function and improved overall postural balance.