Dental Treatments for Posture

Overseen By Alexandros Tsouknidas, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston University

Disqualifiers: Parkinson's, Morbid obesity, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 60-90 minutes

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how dental treatments might affect posture and balance. Researchers are investigating how changes in the bite (how teeth fit together) can impact stability and walking patterns. Participants will use either dental splints (custom-fitted devices worn in the mouth) or their own dentures to determine if these changes make a difference. Adults aged 30-45 with a full set of teeth and a specific type of dental alignment, or older adults aged 50-65 who wear full dentures, might be suitable for this study.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance dental and overall health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study researchers to get a clear answer.

What prior data suggests that these dental treatments are safe for improving posture?

Research has shown that dental splints and dentures have been studied for their effects on posture and stability, with some findings on their safety.

For dental splints, studies suggest they might slightly improve posture, especially in individuals with jaw joint issues (temporomandibular disorders, or TMD). However, strong scientific evidence is lacking to fully confirm their safety and effectiveness, which may lead to inconsistent insurance coverage. While splints are generally safe, their benefits remain unproven.

Regarding dentures, research indicates that wearing them can impact posture and balance. Some studies found that dentures might change head posture and balance, but they can also improve stability if they fit well. Misplaced dentures pose a risk, as they could enter the digestive or respiratory systems. However, well-fitting dentures are linked to a lower risk of death in older adults, suggesting they are generally safe when used properly.

In summary, both dental splints and dentures are considered safe, but their effects on posture and stability can vary. Proper fit and correct use are crucial to minimizing risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these dental treatments because they explore how dental health might influence posture, an area not typically addressed by standard care like physical therapy or ergonomic adjustments. Dental splints could offer a novel approach by potentially aligning the jaw to improve overall body posture in adults with Class I malocclusion. Meanwhile, using dentures for posture enhancement in older adults might reveal connections between oral health and musculoskeletal alignment. These treatments aim to expand our understanding of the body’s interconnectedness, potentially offering new, holistic ways to address posture issues.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving posture?

This trial will compare the effects of dental splints and dentures on posture. Studies have shown that dental splints, which participants in Group A will receive, can improve posture. In one study, 72% of participants reported that splints helped rebalance their body's center of mass. Another study found that 90% of people using occlusal splints experienced symptom relief and improved function. Participants in Group B will receive dentures. Research on dentures suggests they can enhance balance and stabilize head posture. Specifically, one study found that dentures significantly improved balance during certain movements. Overall, both dental splints and dentures have demonstrated potential to improve stability and balance. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexandros Tsouknidas, PhD

Principal Investigator

Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals interested in understanding how their dental health, specifically the alignment and condition of their teeth and jaws, might affect their posture and walking patterns. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 30-45, healthy, have all my teeth, and have a slight jaw misalignment.

I am 50-65, healthy, have no natural teeth, and wear dentures.

Exclusion Criteria

Any other condition that in the opinion of the study researchers has potential to impact balance or gait

My BMI is over 40.

I have Parkinson's Disease.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive interventions using dental splints or their own dentures to assess the impact on postural control and gait.

60-90 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in postural stability and gait patterns after treatment.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dental Splints
• Dentures

Trial Overview The study is testing whether using dental splints or a person's own dentures can influence balance and gait by altering the vertical dimension of occlusion (how teeth meet when the jaw closes). The goal is to see if these changes improve postural stability.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group A- dental splints Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will be adults aged 30-45 with complete dentition and Class I malocclusion. Participants must have a complete set of teeth, either natural or with crowns, ensuring no teeth are missing.

Group II: Group B- dentures Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will be older adults aged 50-65 who are edentulous (without natural teeth) and wear full dentures.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

494

Recruited

9,998,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12025889/

Dental Splints and Sport Performance: A Review of the ... Splint treatment showed an overall efficacy of 72%, statistically significant efficacy on rebalancing of the barycenter. Custom occlusal splint.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9027546/

Effects of Occlusal Splints on Spinal Posture in Patients with ... We found that occlusal splints might have a positive effect on posture in TMD patients, albeit there is little evidence of appropriate investigation for ...

3. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00784-024-05888-9

Impact of occlusal stabilization splints on global body posture In summary, the results of the present study showed that the influence of splint therapy on static body posture is limited. Within the present ...

4. apm.amegroups.org apm.amegroups.org/article/view/69319/html

Effectiveness of exercise therapy versus occlusal splint ... The results revealed that exercise therapy was not superior to occlusal splint therapy for pain reduction in patients with painful TMD.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/353773156_Effect_of_Occlusal_Splints_on_Posture_Balance_in_Patients_with_Temporomandibular_Joint_Disorder_A_Prospective_Study

Effect of Occlusal Splints on Posture Balance in Patients ... 90% of the patients experienced a remission of the symptoms and were treated to a generally pain free, functionally satisfactory state. The ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11362186/

Impact of occlusal stabilization splints on global body posture The influence of occlusal splints on global posture is limited and only small effects on cervicocranial parameters were found.

7. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/4/739

Effects of Occlusal Splints on Spinal Posture in Patients ... We found that occlusal splints might have a positive effect on posture in TMD patients, albeit there is little evidence of appropriate investigation for ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/390923699_Dental_Splints_and_Sport_Performance_A_Review_of_the_Current_Literature

(PDF) Dental Splints and Sport Performance: A Review of ... Conclusions: The present study highlights the growing interest in occlusal splints research and its impact on sport and exercise science.

9. tmj.org tmj.org/living-with-tmj/treatments/splints/

Splints Due to the lack of scientific evidence verifying safety and effectiveness of splints, neither medical nor dental insurance may cover this treatment.