Body posture improvement after occlusal correction- a case report

Dental occlusal dysfunction can influence the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the orofacial muscles as well as the body's posture. This paper presents the clinical examination and therapeutic protocol of a 32-year-old patient with painful TMJ and throat syndrome. Materials and methods. The patient was examined clinically, evaluating the TMJ, oro-facial muscles, static and dynamic dental occlusion. Axiographic evaluation was also performed using CADIAX System, posture evaluation with the use of PostureScreen Mobile digital application and MRI of the TMJ. Results. The initial clinical evaluation revealed limited mouth opening and right lateral guidance, painful orofacial muscles (on pain scale from 2 to 5), presence of occlusal interferences. Axiography confirmed these findings. No pathological modifications of TMJ were observed on MRI. Body posture evaluation showed significant pathological modifications. The therapeutic protocol consisted in occlusal splint appliance and occlusal adjustments. The final evaluation after treatment showed pain disappearance, significant improvement of mandibular movements and body posture correction. Conclusion. A pathological dental occlusion creates a tonus imbalance in the masticatory muscles that triggers a series of compensatory mechanisms, modifying the tonus of the spinal muscles and therefore the posture. Minimum non-invasive treatments are often indicated in the initial stages for disabling symptoms elimination.