Postural evaluation of patients with temporomandibular disorders under use of occlusal splints.
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.
Strini
Paulinne Junqueira Silva Andresen
PJ
Dental School, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
Machado
Naila Aparecida de Godoi
NA
Gorreri
Marília Cavalheri
MC
Ferreira
Amanda de Freitas
Ade F
Sousa
Gilmar da Cunha
Gda C
Fernandes Neto
Alfredo Júlio
AJ
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