Craniocervical Posture and Malocclusion: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Interdisciplinary Insights and Implications.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The impact of craniocervical posture on malocclusion has long intrigued researchers in dentistry, orthodontics, and physical therapy. This research aims to elucidate the relationship between craniocervical posture and both dental and skeletal malocclusions and to explore the potential for integrated multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches. Materials and Methods: We analyzed peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023 from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search strategy included terms related to craniocervical posture and malocclusion, focusing on studies that evaluated the relationship between these conditions before and after various orthodontic or surgical treatments. Results: A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria, providing nuanced insights into the interplay between malocclusion types and craniocervical alignment. Findings suggest that altered craniocervical posture is more prevalent in individuals with skeletal malocclusions. In particular, orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery appear to influence craniocervical posture, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between craniofacial structure and neck alignment. Conclusions: Our literature review confirms a significant association between craniocervical posture and malocclusion, emphasizing the need for an integrative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial anomalies. Future research should aim to quantify these relationships further through longitudinal studies, thereby increasing the understanding necessary to develop comprehensive treatment protocols.