The diagnostic potential of static body-sway recording in orthodontics: a systematic review

Conflicting data have been reported in dentistry regarding the diagnostic potential of monitoring body sway while in a static standing bipedalic position. This systematic review reappraises previously reported effects of mandibular position, asymmetric occlusion, and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) on body sway to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for such correlations and to define the potential diagnostic applications in orthodontics. A literature survey was performed using the Medline, LILACS, and SciELO databases, and the Cochrane Library, covering the period from January 1980 to December 2011. Twelve articles qualified for the final analysis. All of these studies investigated the effects of mandibular position, two focussed also on asymmetrical occlusion, and three on TMDs. Only two studies were judged to be of medium or medium/high quality, with all of the rest classified as low-quality design; no study included follow-up. According to the conclusions of these reports, four studies saw significant correlations between body sway and mandibular position or TMDs. After a reappraisal of the full data set, generally no clinically relevant correlations were uncovered in the comparisons. While more investigations with improved levels of scientific evidence are needed, according to current evidence, the static monitoring of body sway as a diagnostic aid in orthodontics may not be indicated.