[Dentofacial dysmorphoses : distant links with musculo-skeletal system and posture]

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human Anatomy and Physiology

Background:

• The oro-facial complex is theorized to interconnect with the entire body.
• This interconnection may explain treatments targeting distant body areas for oral issues.
• Understanding these links is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review scientific literature for potential distant body links related to oro-facial dysmorphoses across three spatial dimensions.
• To evaluate these links based on current etiopathogenic theories and scientific data.
• To clarify the relationship between jaw dimensions and overall body posture and function.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive keyword search of scientific literature was conducted.
• Fifty-eight relevant references were identified and analyzed.
• The review focused on the transverse, vertical, and anteroposterior dimensions of oro-facial structures.

Main Results:

• Transverse maxillary hypoplasia and molar asymmetry did not significantly alter body weight distribution on a stabilometric platform.
• Hyperdivergent patients exhibited reduced bite force, increased cephalic extension, skull base extension, and decreased cervical lordosis.
• Skeletal Class II (anteroposterior dimension) correlated with increased cervical lordosis and posterior cephalic extension; Class III showed inverse correlations.
• A higher prevalence of dental Class II was observed in individuals with scoliosis.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests correlations between vertical and anteroposterior oro-facial dimensions and spinal/cranial posture.
• The link between transverse jaw dimensions and body posture appears less evident.
• Low-level evidence studies require cautious interpretation due to potential confounding factors and lack of established causality.