Relationship between Unilateral Posterior Crossbite and Human Static Body Posture.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Biomechanics
• Human Posture Analysis

Background:

• Unilateral posterior crossbite (UPCB) is a malocclusion affecting dental and potentially skeletal relationships.
• Body posture is a complex interplay of sensory inputs and motor control.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the relationship between UPCB and static body posture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare photogrammetry-assessed body posture in young adults with and without UPCB.
• To investigate the influence of visual input and mandibular position on posture in UPCB.
• To determine if UPCB laterality correlates with the direction of body posture changes.

Main Methods:

• Photogrammetry was used to assess horizontal alignment of acromion and anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS).
• Static postural platform recorded foot pressure distribution.
• Participants were evaluated under varying visual conditions and mandibular positions (rest, intercuspal, lateral).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in horizontal alignment at acromion and ASIS levels were found between control and UPCB groups (p < 0.05).
• No significant differences in alignment or foot pressure distribution were observed based on the laterality of UPCB.
• Mandibular position and visual input influenced postural assessments.

Conclusions:

• The presence of unilateral posterior crossbite demonstrably affects static body posture.
• The laterality of the crossbite does not dictate the direction or nature of the observed postural alterations.
• Further research may explore dynamic postural effects and long-term consequences.