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Occlusal support and head posture
Y Kibana1, T Ishijima, T Hirai
1Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido School of Dentistry, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. kibana@hoku-iryo-u.ac.jp
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|February 15, 2002
Summary
Uneven dental occlusion (occlusal support) can affect head posture. Imbalances in jaw muscle activity correlate with neck bending, suggesting a link between bite and head position.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuromuscular Studies
- Dental Science
Background:
- Head posture is influenced by various biomechanical factors.
- The relationship between occlusal support and head posture requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occlusal support conditions and head posture.
- To analyze electromyographic (EMG) activity of jaw and neck muscles during voluntary maximal clenching (VMC) with varying occlusal support.
Main Methods:
- Recorded EMG activity of jaw closing and sternocleidomastoid muscles in eight healthy individuals during VMC.
- Assessed head posture using an electromagnetic 6-degree-of-freedom tracking instrument (POLHEMUS 3 SPACE-WIN).
- Analyzed muscle activity asymmetry and neck bending angles under conditions of lateral occlusal imbalance.
Main Results:
- Lateral occlusal imbalance resulted in greater EMG activity on the supported side for both jaw and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
- Neck bending occurred towards the side of occlusal support.
- A positive correlation was observed between sternocleidomastoid muscle activity asymmetry and neck lateral bending angle.
Conclusions:
- Lateral imbalance in occlusal support can lead to asymmetric sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and subsequent neck bending.
- A significant relationship exists between occlusal support and head posture, impacting neuromuscular control.