The Association between Body Posture and Malocclusion in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between body posture and dental malocclusion in adolescents. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between malocclusion and body posture in 37 adolescents aged 10–14 who met the selection criteria. A trained and calibrated evaluator assessed malocclusion using Angle’s classification and evaluated the severity with the dental esthetic index (DAI). Frontal and lateral body postures were reviewed by a licensed medical technology specialist in physical therapy and rehabilitation using a plumb line, with postures classified as correct or incorrect. Data analysis utilized Chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions (p < 0.05). Results: No association was found between Angle malocclusion and body posture (p = 0.277). However, an association was identified when considering severity, with incorrect frontal posture observed in 77.8% of adolescents with defined malocclusion and 71.4% in those with severe malocclusion (p = 0.035). When malocclusion was regrouped into 2 categories (normal occlusion and malocclusion), a significant association with frontal posture was found (p = 0.035). Logistic regression showed that individuals with defined malocclusion are 9.09-fold more likely to develop improper frontal posture (p = 0.048). Furthermore, when severity was categorized into 2 groups, individuals with malocclusion were found to have a 7.29-fold higher risk of developing incorrect frontal body posture in the position. Conclusion: The severity of malocclusion is associated with incorrect frontal body posture, with individuals with defined malocclusion being more likely to develop improper frontal posture. Clinical significance: Patients with the presence of malocclusion has more risk of developing incorrect frontal body posture. Therefore, orthodontists should consider this relationship when treating their patients.