The Relationship Between Dentofacial and Body Postural Asymmetries in Patients with Malocclusions-A Cross-Sectional
Alexandra-Nina Botezatu1,2, Eduard Radu Cernei1, Elena Mihaela Cărăușu1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Dentofacial asymmetries are common in patients with malocclusions, while mild body postural asymmetries are frequently reported in otherwise healthy individuals. However, their interrelationship remains insufficiently investigated in adults without diagnosed spinal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dentofacial and body postural asymmetries in adults with malocclusions. Materials and Methods: A clinical cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 102 adults (18-45 years) with malocclusions and no spinal pathology. Standardized clinical morphometric examinations assessed dentofacial asymmetries (horizontal and vertical planes), dental parameters (dental midlines deviation and occlusal plane inclination), and body postural asymmetries (head, shoulder, trunk, pelvic, and lower limb alignment). Asymmetries were recorded using predefined clinical thresholds. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Pearson chi-square test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: Dentofacial asymmetries were identified in both planes and occurred more frequently on the left side. Horizontal facial asymmetries were most common at the cheek (74.5%), nostril (66.7%), and mandibular angle levels (57.9%), and were influenced by sex, age, facial growth pattern, and facial profile (p ≤ 0.05). Mandibular dental midline asymmetry was present in 55.8% of patients. Body postural asymmetries were also frequent, particularly unilateral (60.8%) or anterior (55.9%) head inclination and shoulder asymmetries (54.9%), with a predominance on the left side and associations with age, body mass index, and postural attitude (p ≤ 0.05). Correlations were identified among facial asymmetries and among body postural asymmetries (p ≤ 0.01), indicating a bilateral distribution pattern. Additionally, right-sided facial asymmetries showed significant positive associations with right-sided body postural asymmetries (ρ = 0.197-0.229; p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Dentofacial and body postural asymmetries have been identified in adults with malocclusions and presented side-specific associations regarding the patterns of asymmetry.
