ABSTRACT
AIM: Attempt to compare the occlusion condition in groups of children with different body posture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 336 children aged from 8 to 14 years were investigated. The subjects were selected in orthodontic clinics (237 children) and at schools (98 children). All participants were divided into groups with different body posture according to Kasperczyk's point method. The comparison of the occlusion quality was performed with the use of a scale developed by Emmerich-Poplatek. RESULTS: The studied group comprised following number of persons: 12 (3.56%) with no malocclusion, 37 (10.98%) with mild, 162 (48.37%) with moderate and 124 (37.09%) with severe malocclusion. In relation to the body posture, 52.67% of the participants had correct posture, 45.53 % had a faulty posture of mild degree and 1.78% of severe degree. A considerable differentiation of the occlusion condition was discovered within the three groups. In view of a small number of participants with a faulty posture of considerable degree (n=6) the comparative analysis of the occlusion condition was performed between the group with a correct body posture and group with faulty posture (created by combining group 2 and 3). The result of the analysis suggests a significant differentiation of the occlusion condition between the groups mentioned above (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Children with faulty postures present more intense malocclusions than children with a correct body posture. Results of this type suggest the need for interdisciplinary look at people with malocclusions whose therapy should involve body posture correction.
