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

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

A connection of the stomatognathic system \[an anatomical system comprising the teeth, jaws, and associated soft tissues\] to postural control has been suggested in the literature. This research will investigate how occlusion can impact postural response, disorder, and rehabilitation by examining how modifications in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) influence balance and gait. Although it is currently unclear which or how restorative approaches cause postural disturbances, changes in several occlusal factors, i.e. VDO, Angle's class, crossbite and others have been suggested to manifest clearly into an altered stability, which could have a significant effect on the quality of life, especially in the elderly. The present study aims to identify the degree to which specific interventions in oral cavity affect the stability and gait patterns of patients, This will b achieved by either: * The use of dental splints (fully certified devices) * The use of the subjects' own dentures A direct correlation of postural perturbations and VDO, would essentially void the necessity to evaluate specific interventions (e.g. different types of restorations) independently and allow clinicians to assess a potential effect on their patients' stability and gait based on pre- to post- treatment VDO.

Research Team

Alexandros Tsouknidas, PhD

Principal Investigator

Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+