Postural stability and unilateral posterior crossbite: is there a relationship?

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that unilateral posterior crossbite influences postural stability of the whole body. Twenty-six subjects (14 males and 12 females) affected with unilateral posterior crossbite were selected and compared with 52 controls matched for age and gender. Postural stability was assessed using a stabilometric platform. The following stabilometric measurements were assessed: weight distribution on foot area and speed of body sway. Tests were performed under two occlusal conditions: teeth in intercuspal position (ICP) and while keeping two cotton rolls between teeth without clenching. The weight distribution on foot area and the speed of body sway were not significantly influenced from crossbite (with and without lateral mandibular slide), occlusal conditions (ICP, cotton rolls), and gender. Therefore, the treatment of this malocclusion in order to prevent or to treat postural disorders is not justified.