Postural Analysis Methods in Orthodontic Patients: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33295/1992-576X-2025-6-120Keywords:
orthodontic treatment, posture, postural balance, occlusionAbstract
In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to the potential influence of masticatory system disorders, such as malocclusion, on whole-body posture. The number of patients seeking simultaneous treatment for dental anomalies and postural disorders continues to rise. This review aims to analyze research methods used to assess posture in relation to the stomatognathic system. The anatomical and functional interconnection between the masticatory apparatus and postural regulation has led to several hypotheses regarding the correlation between occlusal and postural disorders. These ideas have gained wide public resonance, partly due to their dissemination in the media. Evidence supports the role of the dento-maxillary system—particularly occlusion and the temporomandibular joint—in maintaining vertical postural stability. Furthermore, the relationship between spinal alignment, head position, and occlusion underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing occlusal disorders and temporomandibular joint pathology.
Purpose. To identify, based on published literature, the principal methods of postural analysis and evaluate their applicability in patients with occlusal pathology.
Materials and Methods. A bibliosemantic approach was employed, involving a targeted search of scientific publications in the PubMed database and the multidisciplinary journal Scientific Reports.
Results. The review expands current knowledge of methods for assessing the maxillofacial region and postural balance. It highlights advances in diagnostic techniques, the integration of modern technologies, and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimizing postural balance in orthodontic patients.
Conclusions. The adaptive properties of the organism with respect to posture and the stomatognathic system demonstrate a significant connection between the cranio-cervical complex and overall postural regulation. Physiological occlusal relationships and harmonious occlusion exert a notable influence on postural balance. Recognizing this interrelationship facilitates accurate diagnosis and supports the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for orthodontic patients with postural disorders associated with stomatognathic pathology.
Downloads
References
Scataglini, S., & Paul, G. (Eds.). (2019). DHM and Posturography, Academic Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816713-7.00026-X
Błaszczyk, J. W. (2016). The use of force-plate posturography in the assessment of postural instability. Gait Posture, 44, 1–6. PMID: 27004624. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.10.014
Reutimann, S., Hill-Strathy, M., Krewer, C., Bergmann, J., Müller F., Jahn, K., & Rauen, K. (2022). Influence of footwear on postural sway: A systematic review and meta-analysis on barefoot and shod bipedal static posturography in patients and healthy subjects. Gait Posture, 92, 302–314. PMID: 34902659. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.11.022
Maidannik, V. G., Burlai, V. G., Hnateyko, O. Z. at al. (2018). Edited by Prof. V. G. Maydannik. Propaedeutic pediatrics: a textbook for students of higher medical schools. 2nd ed., corrected and supplemented. Vinnytsia: Nova Knyga, P. 872. [В. Г. Майданник, В. Г. Бурлай, О. З. Гнатейко та ін.(2018). За ред. проф. В. Г. Майданника. Пропедевтична педіатрія: підручник для студ. вищ. мед. навч. закладів. 2-ге вид., випр. та допов. Вінниця: Нова Книга, 2018. 872 с]. ISBN 978-966-382-711-7.
Bochkov, P. M. (2020). Balance function correction of preschoolers with musculoskeletal system disorders by means of adaptive physical education: abstract of dissertation … doctor of philosophy.: 016 Special education / Bochkov Pavlo Mykolayovych; Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, National Pedagogical University named after M. P. Dragomanov. Kyiv. [Бочков П. М. (2020). Корекція функції рівноваги у дошкільників з порушенням опорно-рухового апарату засобами адаптивного фізичного виховання: анотація дис. … докт. філос.: 016 Спеціальна освіта / Бочков Павло Миколайович; Міністерство освіти і науки України, Національний педагогічний університет імені М. П. Драгоманова. Київ. 7 арк.]. URL: http://enpuir.npu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/35486
Unterberger, S. (1938). Neue objektiv registrierbare Vestibularis-Körperdrehreaktion, erhalten durch Treten auf der Stelle. Der „Tretversuch”. Archiv für Ohren-, Nasen- und Kehlkopfheilkunde, 145, 478–492. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01583067
Fukuda, T. (1959). The stepping test: two phases of the labyrinthine reflex. Acta Otolaryngol, 50(2), 95–108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/00016485909129172 PMID: 13636842
Çıkmaz, Selman, Uluçam, Enis, Yilmaz, Ali, Parlak, Muhammed, Karahan, Menekşe, Dönmez, Didem, & Kayatekin, Ayşe. (2020). Do anthropometric characteristics of head and neck affect the craniocorpographic balance measurement? Anatomy, 14, 44–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2399/ana.20.025
Nash, C. L. Jr., Gregg, E. C., Brown, R. H., & Pillai, K. (1979). Risks of exposure to X-rays in patients undergoing long-term treatment for scoliosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 61(3), 371–374. PMID: 429405. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-197961030-00009
Parrini, S., Comba, B., Rossini, G., Ravera, S., Cugliari, G., De Giorgi, I., Deregibus, A., & Castroflorio, T. (2017). Postural changes in orthodontic patients treated with clear aligners: A rasterstereographic study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 38, 44–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2017.11.002 PMID: 29156321.
Carini, F., Mazzola, M., Fici, C., Palmeri, S., Messina, M., Damiani, P., & Tomasello, G. (2017). Posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of art. Acta Biomed, 88(1), 11–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v88i1.5309 PMID: 28467328
Iacob, S. M., Chisnoiu, A. M., Lascu, L. M., Berar, A. M., Studnicska, D., & Fluerasu, M. I. (2020). Is PostureScreen® Mobile app an accurate tool for dentists to evaluate the correlation between malocclusion and posture? Cranio, 38(4), 233–239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2018.1512197 PMID: 30198398.
Michalik, R., Hamm, J., Quack, V., Eschweiler, J., Gatz, M., & Betsch, M. (2020). Dynamic spinal posture and pelvic position analysis using a rasterstereographic device. J Orthop Surg Res, 15(1), 389. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-020-01825-0 PMID: 32900390
Krott, N. L., Wild, M., & Betsch, M. (2020). Meta-analysis of the validity and reliability of rasterstereographic measurements of spinal posture. Eur Spine J, 29(9), 2392–2401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06402-x
Karpiel, I., Ziębiński, A., Kluszczyński, M., & Feige, D. (2021). A Survey of Methods and Technologies Used for Diagnosis of Scoliosis. Sensors (Basel), 21(24), 8410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21248410 PMID: 34960509
Mangone, M., Paoloni, M., Procopio, S., Venditto, T., Zucchi, B., Santilli, V., … & Bernetti, A. (2020). Sagittal spinal alignment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis by rasterstereographic back shape analysis: An observational retrospective study. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med, 56(2), 191–196. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.20.05993-6
Schroeder, J., Reer, R., & Braumann, K. M. (2015). Video raster stereography back shape reconstruction: a reliability study for sagittal, frontal, and transversal plane parameters. European Spine Journal, 24, 262–269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3664-5
Nota, A., Tecco, S., Ehsani, S., Padulo, J., & Baldini, A. (2017). Postural stability in subjects with temporomandibular disorders and healthy controls: A comparative assessment. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 37, 21–24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2017.08.006 PMID: 28865312
Paya-Argoud, M., Tardieu, C., Cheynet, F., Raskin, A., & Borel, L. (2019). Impact of orthognathic surgery on the body posture. Gait Posture, 67, 25–30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.09.019 PMID: 30261320
Kang, J. H. (2020). Effects on migraine, neck pain, and head and neck posture, of temporomandibular disorder treatment: Study of a retrospective cohort. Arch Oral Biol, 114, 104718. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104718 PMID: 32334135.
Cabrera-Domínguez, M. E., Domínguez-Reyes, A., Pabón-Carrascom, M., Pérez- Bellosom, A. J., Coheña-Jiménez, M., & Galán-González, A. F. (2021). Dental Malocclusion and Its Relation to the Podal System. Front Pediatr, 9, 654229. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.654229 PMID: 34239846
Amaricai, E., Onofrei, R. R., Suciu, O., Marcauteanu, C., Stoica, E. T., Negruțiu, M. L., David, V. L., & Sinescu, C. (2020). Do different dental conditions influence the static plantar pressure and stabilometry in young adults? PLoS One, 15(2), 0228816. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0228816 PMID: 32045439
Combadazou, Jean-Claude, Hennequin, Antonin, Benichou, Mathieu, Roumiguié, Capucine, & Destruhaut, Florent. (2019). Stabilometry platform benefits in diagnosis and occlusal orthosis treatment of occluso-postural deficiency: preliminary study on 30 patients. Oral Health and Care, 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15761/OHC.1000180
Dias, A. A., Redinha, L. A., Silva, L. M., & Pezarat-Correia, P. C. (2018). Effects of Dental Occlusion on Body Sway, Upper Body Muscle Activity and Shooting Performance in Pistol Shooters. Appl Bionics Biomech, 9360103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9360103 PMID: 30140310
Leroux, E., Leroux, S., Maton, F., Ravalec, X., & Sorel, O. (2018). Influence of dental occlusion on the athletic performance of young elite rowers: a pilot study. Clinics (Sao Paulo), 73, 453. DOI: https://doi.org/10.6061/clinics/2017/e453 PMID: 30517283
Postolache, O. A., & Postolache, G. B. (2017). Development and selection of balancing devices. IEEE Instrumentation & Measurement Magazine, 20 (1), 38-48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MIM.2017.7864548
Ito, T., Sakai, Y., Ito, Y., Yamazaki, K., & Morita, Y. (2020). Association Between Back Muscle Strength and Proprioception or Mechanoreceptor Control Strategy in Postural Balance in Elderly Adults with Lumbar Spondylosis. Healthcare (Basel), 8(1), 58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8010058. PMID: 32164248
Choi, H. S., & Lee, J. H. (2020). Immediate Effect of Balance Taping Using Kinesiology Tape on Dynamic and Static Balance after Ankle Muscle Fatigue. Healthcare (Basel), 8(2), 162. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8020162 PMID: 32526892
Ku, P. X., Abu Osman, N.A., & Wan Abas, W. A. B. (2016). The limits of stability and muscle activity in middle-aged adults during static and dynamic stance. J Biomech, 49(16), 3943–3948. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.11.006 PMID: 27865478.
Parrini, S., Comba, B., Rossini, G., Ravera, S., Cugliari, G., De Giorgi, I., Deregibus, A., & Castroflorio, T. (2017). Postural changes in orthodontic patients treated with clear aligners: A rasterstereographic study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 38, 44–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2017.11.002 PMID: 29156321.
Zheng, Q., Xie, L., Xu, J. et al. (2023). A feasibility study of applying two- dimensional photogrammetry for screening and monitoring of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in clinical practice. Sci Rep 13, 14273. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41267-2
Pojda, D., Tomaka, A. A., Luchowski, L., & Tarnawski, M. (2021). Integration and Application of Multimodal Measurement Techniques: Relevance of Photogrammetry to Orthodontics. Sensors (Basel), 21(23), 8026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21238026 PMID: 34884030
März, K., Adler, W., Matta, R. E., Wolf, L., Wichmann, M., & Bergauer, B. (2017). Can different occlusal positions instantaneously impact spine and body posture?: A pilot study using rasterstereography for a three-dimensional evaluation. J Orofac Orthop, 78(3), 221–232. In English. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-016-0073-x PMID: 27921118.
Dias, A., Redinha, L., Rodrigues, M. J., Silva, L., & Pezarat-Correia, P. (2022). A kinematic analysis on theimmediate effects of occlusal splints in gait and running body sway patterns. Cranio, 40(2), 119–125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2020.1721173 PMID: 31996119.
Maurer-Grubinger, C., Avaniadi, I., Adjami, F., Christian, W., Doerry, C., Fay, V., Fisch, V., Gerez, A., Goecke, J., Kaya, U., Keller, J., Krüger, D., et al. (2020). Systematic changes of the static upper body posture with a symmetric occlusion condition. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 21(1), 636. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03655-x PMID: 32979920.
Eriksson, P. O., Zafar, H., & Backén, M. (2019). Instant reduction in postural sway during quiet standing by intraoral dental appliance in patients with Whiplash associated Disorders and non-trauma neck pain. Arch Oral Biol, 97, 109–115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.10.018 PMID: 30384151.
Bago, J., Pizones, J., Matamalas, A., & D’Agata, E. (2019). Clinical photography in severe idiopathic scoliosis candidate for surgery: is it a useful tool to differentiate among Lenke patterns? Eur Spine J, 28(12), 3018–3025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-019-06096-w PMID: 31396690.
Iacob, S. M., Chisnoiu, A. M., Lascu, L. M., Berar, A. M., Studnicska, D., & Fluerasu, M. I. (2020). Is PostureScreen® Mobile app an accurate tool for dentists to evaluate the correlation between malocclusion and posture? Cranio, 38(4), 233–239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2018.1512197 PMID: 30198398.
Grondin, F., Hall, T., & von Piekartz, H. (2017). Does altered mandibular position and dental occlusion influence upper cervical movement: A cross-sectional study in asymptomatic people. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 27, 85–90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2016.06.007 PMID: 27847242
Carda-Navarro, I., Lacort-Collado, L., Fernández-Ehrling, N., Lanuza-Garcia, A., Ferrer-Torregrosa, J., & Guinot-Barona, C. (2024). Relationship between Body Posture Assessed by Dynamic Baropodometry and Dental Occlusion in Patients with and without Dental Pathology. Sensors (Basel), 24(6), 1921. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061921 PMID: 38544184.
De Blasiis, P., Caravaggi, P., Fullin, A., Leardini, A., Lucariello, A., Perna, A., Guerra, G., & De Luca, A. (2023). Postural stability and plantar pressure parameters in healthy subjects: variability, correlation analysis and differences under open and closed eye conditions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 11, 1198120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1198120 PMID: 37545891.
Van Alsenoy, K., Thomson, A., & Burnett, A. (2019). Reliability and validity of the Zebris FDM-THQ instrumented treadmill during running trials. Sports Biomech, 18(5), 501–514. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1452966 PMID: 29785869.
Pathak, P., & Ahn, J. (2021) A Pressure-Pad-Embedded Treadmill Yields Time- Dependent Errors in Estimating Ground Reaction Force during Walking. Sensors (Basel), 21(16), 5511. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21165511 PMID: 34450953
Bode, T., Zoroofchi, S., Vettorazzi, E., Droste, J. N., Welsch, G. H., Schwesig, R., & Marshall, R. P. (2024). Functional analysis of postural spinal and pelvic parameters using static and dynamic spinometry. Heliyon, 10(7), 29239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29239 PMID: 38633646
Roggio, Federico, Petrigna, Luca, Trovato, Bruno, Zanghì, Marta, Sortino, Martina, Vitale, Ermanno, Rapisarda, Lucia, Testa, Gianluca, Pavone, Vito, Pavone, Piero, Vecchio, Michele, & Musumeci, Giuseppe. (2023). Thermography and rasterstereography as a combined infrared method to assess the posture of healthy individuals. Scientific Reports, 13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31491-1
Livanelioglu, A., Kaya, F., Nabiyev, V., Demirkiran, G., & Fırat, T. (2016). The validity and reliability of “Spinal Mouse” assessment of spinal curvatures in the frontal plane in pediatric adolescent idiopathic thoraco-lumbar curves. Eur Spine J, 25(2), 476-482. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-3945-7 PMID: 25900295.
Belli, Guido, Toselli, Stefania, Mauro, Mario, Latessa, Maietta, & Russo, Luca. (2023). Relation between Photogrammetry and Spinal Mouse for Sagittal Imbalance Assessment in Adolescents with Thoracic Kyphosis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8, 68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020068
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 “VYDAVNYCHYY BUDYNOK EXPERT” LLC

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.