Long-term changes in hyoid bone position and craniocervical posture in complete denture wearers

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Long-term complete denture wear can influence craniofacial morphology.
• Understanding changes in hyoid position is crucial for assessing functional and aesthetic outcomes in prosthodontics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hyoid bone position, mandibular inclination, and craniocervical posture over 15 years in complete denture wearers.
• To determine how changes in these parameters correlate with hyoid bone displacement.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cephalometric analysis of 24 complete denture wearers over 15 years.
• Measurements included hyoid position, mandibular inclination, and craniocervical posture using lateral occlusion films in natural head balance.
• Statistical correlation analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Significant forward inclination of the cervical column (mean 5 degrees) and increased craniocervical angulation (mean 5 degrees) were observed.
• Hyoid position changes were influenced by both mandibular inclination and cervical/craniocervical posture.
• Vertical hyoid changes correlated with mandibular inclination; horizontal changes correlated with cervical inclination.

Conclusions:

• Hyoid bone position is dynamically influenced by changes in mandibular posture and head/neck alignment in long-term denture wearers.
• The findings highlight the interconnectedness of the stomatognathic and cervical postural systems.
• This research provides insights into the complex biomechanical adaptations occurring with complete denture use.