The Effect of Orthodontic Treatment on Head Posture

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample study consisted of 18 children aged from 13 to 15 years old. Subjects were divided into three groups depending on the Angle classification Class I, Class II div I and Class III cases.

Cephalometric radiographs were taken before orthodontic treatment (T1) with the patients standing in the orthoposition with the head in the natural head position and teeth in occlusion. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later after orthodontic treatment ends (T2).

The postural angles were evaluated by using craniovertical, craniocervical and cervicohorizontal values. The statistical value among the malocclusions was tested by Wilcoxon test. Annova test was used to determine the effects between the groups.

RESULTS: Vertical changes (NSL-Ver and NL-Ver) showed significant differences among the groups in Class II patients (p<.05). The postural changes between Class I-Class III and Class II-Class III showed significant differences (p<.05).

CONCLUSION: After orthodontic treatment, the patients with Class II malocclusion changed the vertical position of head posture. The head posture of Class II and Class III patients had different pattern from Class I patients.