Occlusione e Postura

The Relationship Between Teeth and Posture

The correlation between dental occlusion and posture has long been debated. My experience—first in research and then in clinical practice—confirms its existence. We must consider that dental occlusion acts as the structural dictator of the skeletal relationship between the mandible and the cranium.

The central nervous system, through input from the trigeminal nerve, constantly seeks the most stable dental interlock. It does so via the swallowing reflex, which resets mandibular positioning with each act of deglutition. This mechanism may be what ensures, always and regardless of condition, the ability to chew—without which human evolution might not have progressed.

From a global postural standpoint, it is essential to recognize that the dental system must be treated as a non-deformable structure, at least in the short term.
We may act on a scapular position, a muscle, or a tendon during a physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or pain-relief session—but we cannot act on occlusion during that same session.

This means that if a malocclusion is contributing to postural or muscular dysfunctions, it will likely cause at least partial recurrence of symptoms, undermining the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

This is why it’s so important to understand which dental conditions are most commonly involved and which clinical tests are most useful in identifying them.

But posturology does not stop at the jaw. This course also explores the relationships between posture and vision, and how the visual system interacts with both occlusion and the postural control system.

A central element of the course is ScanPosture©—a simple, cost-effective, and reliable diagnostic method developed through more than 20 years of clinical research and practice.
The name stands for SCientific ANalysis of POSTUral RELations—an open, customizable system designed to analyze variations induced by modifying the inputs that affect postural balance.

What matters most is the integrated approach—both visual and instrumental—that makes the analysis intuitive and easy to communicate, even with patients.
This system differs significantly from traditional tools such as the scoliosometer, the Barré vertical line (as used in the French standard), or force platform posturography, both in principle and in methodology.

The goal is to provide a simple, integrated, repeatable, and reliable framework that minimizes time spent during follow-ups while maximizing diagnostic clarity.

Understanding dental occlusal issues is essential in cranio-cervical and frequently lumbar rehabilitation. Speaking a shared clinical language and being able to detect occlusal problems before beginning therapy can make a significant difference.
This course guides you step-by-step through a logical reasoning process—based on anatomy, physiology, and the adaptive pathophysiology of the human system—to help you recognize the most common dental conditions that can compromise your therapeutic work.

You will also gain tools to collaborate effectively with progressive dental professionals, who recognize the importance of working alongside physiotherapists, always with the patient’s well-being as the shared goal.

Some related scientific articles are available for download at www.gnatologia.it, after free registration in the professional area.

Dr. Piero Silvestrini Biavati

Course Details

• Minimum 10, maximum 16 participants

• For: Physiotherapists, dentists, physical medicine physicians, massage therapists, osteopaths, occupational therapists, and pediatric neuro-psychomotor therapists

• ECM credits: 12.8

• Course fee: €300

• Payment method: Bank transfer to
  Global Occlusion Easy Learning
  IBAN: IT18H0623001495000030848524