title: Postural evaluation of patients with temporomandibular disorders under use of occlusal splints.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alterations in the temporomandibular complex can reflect in adaptations of the individual's entire muscular system, intervening with the head position and scapular waist, developing postural alterations and modifying all corporal biomechanics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the head position (HP) and head postural alterations before and after installation of occlusal splints.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) underwent clinical and postural examination, before the installation of an occlusal splint, and after 1 week and 1 month of use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were statistically differences for HP, between the initial values and after 1 week of use of the occlusal device (p= 0.048) and also between 1 week and 1 month of evaluation (p= 0.001). Decrease of the painful symptomatology and maintenance of the rectification were also observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The individual's postural position can suffer biomechanical alterations due to stomatognathic alterations, causing clinically visible changes in dysfunctional individuals and affecting the performance of the involved structures.
authors: Dental School, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
authors: Paulinne Junqueira Silva Andresen
authors: PJ
authors: Strini
authors: Naila Aparecida de Godoi
authors: NA
authors: Machado
authors: Marília Cavalheri
authors: MC
authors: Gorreri
authors: Amanda de Freitas
authors: Ade F
authors: Ferreira
authors: Gilmar da Cunha
authors: Gda C
authors: Sousa
authors: Alfredo Júlio
authors: AJ
authors: Fernandes Neto
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016302:Centric Relation; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D020186:Sleep Bruxism / Q000628:therapy; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult