La postura del segmento craneocervical y su relación con la oclusión dental y la aplicación de ortodoncia: estudio de revisión

Introduction

The biomechanical relationship between the head, the cervical spine and the teeth has produced an extent scientific debate regarding its influence on several aspects. Abnormalities in the mandible rest position account for more than 90 % of population, being orthodontics a discipline increasingly demanded nowadays.

Objectives

To review the scientific knowledge concerning the relationship between craneocervical posture, dental occlusion and the use of orthodontics.

Material and methods

A databases search was carried out through Medline, Cochrane, Isi Web of Knowledge, Ovid Medline and Lilacs using the descriptors “head”, “cervical”, “spinal”, “posture”, “orthodontics”, “occlusion” and “bite”.

Results

Most of the studies establish a high correlation between abnormal positions of the craneocervical region and a higher incidence of malocclusions. Besides, orthodontics seems to induce a better position in the head and the neck.

Discussion and conclusions

It is crucial to homogenize the methodology of the studies in this area in order to build a solid scientific base. At the same time, a multidisciplinary approach to the dental sphere needs from cooperation in the therapeutic field.