Importance of body posture in orthodontics

Abstract

The orthograde posture is the most characteristic feature of human beings. The question of a relationship between form and posture has been the subject of considerable interest in anthropological literature. Particular attention has been devoted to the phylogenetic implications of the simultaneous development of the brain, cranial base flexion and erect posture in man (Schultz, 1942, Du Brul, 1950). In orthodontic literature only few authors have considered the possibility of a relationship between posture and craniofacial morphology. Though many authors have proved the relationship between flexion of head and facial retrognathism and vice-versa, no study could be traced where the relationship of the body posture to the natural head posture or craniofacial morphology has been evaluated. The present study was undertaken with an effort to elucidate the relationship between natural posture and craniofacial morphology. Keywords: Body posture, Prognathism, Retrognathism, Orthograde, Orthoposition