Posture and occlusal patterns in patients with cerebral palsy

Objective: To look for correlations between occlusal patterns and posture disorders in a group of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods: 117 (93) representative children (12 years ± 5 years) were examined for dental, occlusal (117) and orthopedic (93) findings. The oral results were compared with a control group (6-12 years, > 12 years) and the correlations between posture disorders and occlusal findings were evaluated statistically (Chi square). Results: A gender-matched sample (64 male, 53 female) was divided into three groups (3-6 years, 6-12 years, >12 years) and did not show any significant differences in occlusal findings in comparison to the control group, with the exception of the anterior open bite. Significant correlations between posture and occlusal patterns could not be detected, although for all 93 children marked posture disorders were diagnosed. Conclusions: The occlusal findings did not correlate to posture and children with CP have no higher risk for orthodontic diseases. Parole chiave: cerebral palsy, occlusal patterns, posture