Neuromuscular Postural Vertical Dimension Concept. Practical Course by Silverio Di Rocca

Explores the interconnection between posture, temporomandibular joint function, and occlusion through an osteopathic approach — the mouth–body connection — with Silverio Di Rocca!

You will gain a deep understanding of how neuromuscular dynamics influence the vertical dimension, mandibular position, and overall postural harmony.

During the course, you will learn about:

– Neuromuscular postural vertical dimension and its clinical relevance
– Anatomical vs functional vertical dimension and their clinical implications
– Postural centric relation and mandibular positioning strategies
– Functional occlusion and its role in postural stability
– Neuromuscular and postural balance mechanisms
– TMJ physiology and its relationship with the postural system
– Mandibular deprogramming and reprogramming protocols
– Methods for determining and validating vertical dimension
– Postural diagnostic tools (Posturometer, B.E.D. system)
– Functional occlusal design: guides, contacts, and disocclusion
– Treatment planning and diagnostic wax-up integration
– Clinical decision-making in complex functional cases.

The course also includes a practical session during which you will learn about:

– Mandibular deprogramming techniques in clinical practice
– Registration of functional vertical dimension
– Use of postural diagnostic devices (Posturometer, B.E.D.)
– Step-by-step implementation of functional occlusion protocols
– Integration of occlusion, posture, and TMJ function in real clinical scenarios.

Who is this course for?

– Gnathologists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, and general dentists
– Osteopaths and physiotherapists
– All clinicians working with patients presenting postural imbalances and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-related disorders.

By joining this training, you will acquire the clinical clarity, diagnostic precision, and hands-on skills needed to integrate occlusion, neuromuscular function, and posture into a unified and predictable treatment approach.

Advantages of the "Practical Course" participation option:
– Participation in the scientific program
– Coffee break
– Notes and handouts
– Certificate of participation
– ADA credits available upon request
– Lunch
– Priority seats in the venue
– Distinct reception counter
– VIP certificate
– VIP badge
– Access to online training by Silverio Di Rocca «Neuromuscular Postural Vertical Dimension»

Program

Day 1

Introduction

– Concept of Neuromuscular Postural Vertical Dimension:

- Vertical dimension as a functional expression of postural tonic balance
- Role of mandibular position in neuromuscular harmony
- Influence on overall postural equilibrium.

– Concept of Anatomical Vertical Dimension:

- Traditional definition: distance between maxilla and mandible in occlusion
- Differences between anatomical and functional approaches
- Integration of anatomical structure with neuromuscular function.

– Postural Centric Relation:

- Definition of a stable mandibular position
- Neuromuscular synergy and its role in positioning
- Importance for body balance and reduction of strain.

– Postural Functional Occlusion:

- Occlusion aligned with physiological balance
- Functional guides and occlusal contacts
- Achieving a harmonious and stable bite.


Postural centric relation

– Mandibular Posture in Postural Balance:

- Identifying a mandibular position that avoids conflict with postural chains
- Techniques for achieving balanced mandibular posture
- Supporting overall body alignment.
 

– Relationship with Static Posture:
 

- Influence of the jaw on overall body posture
- Role of the mandible in static and dynamic balance.
 

– Introduction to the Postural Tonic System:
 

- Role of key receptors (feet, eyes, oral cavity)
- Mechanisms of static and dynamic equilibrium
- Foundations of postural balance.
 

– Neuromuscular Balance:
 

- Body self-regulation mechanisms
- Maintenance of equilibrium
- Optimisation for improved postural health.
 

– Physiology of the TMJ:
 

- Anatomy and function of the temporomandibular joint
- Interaction between TMJ and postural system
- Role in maintaining balance.
 

– How to Achieve Postural Centric Relation:
 

- Practical approaches to determining centric relation
- Integration of posture and mandibular positioning.
 

– Mandibular Deprogramming:
 

- Protocols to eliminate dysfunctional patterns
- Preparing the mandible for optimal positioning.
 

– Postural Equilibrium:
 

- Methods for correcting postural imbalances
- Preparing the body for accurate mandibular registration.
 

– B.E.D. (Body Equilibrium Device):
 

- Application of the device in clinical practice
- Achieving craniofacial and postural balance
- Integration into treatment protocols.
 

– Registration of Functional Free Space:
 

- Techniques for identifying optimal interarch space
- Ensuring functional and balanced occlusion.
 

– Posturometer:
 

- Objective assessment of weight distribution
- Evaluation of body alignment
- Verification of postural corrections.

Day 2

Neuromuscular postural vertical dimension

– Progressive Mandibular Reprogramming:

- Gradual adaptation of the mandible to the optimal vertical dimension
- Strategies for achieving neuromuscular balance
- Supporting overall postural stability.
 

– Search for the Vertical Dimension:
 

- Functional determination of vertical dimension
- Balancing the craniofacial system and body posture.
 

– Neuromuscular Postural Vertical Dimension:
 

- Functional vertical dimension aligned with posture
- Supporting overall body alignment
- Integration with neuromuscular balance.
 

– Anatomical Vertical Dimension:
 

- Traditional measurement concepts
- Comparison between anatomical and functional approaches
- Clinical relevance of both perspectives.
 

– Postural Myofunctional Reprogrammer:
 

- Clinical functions in correcting muscular patterns
- Use in orthopaedics and neuromuscular re-education.
 

– Applications:
 

- Use in orthopaedic treatments
- Neuromuscular rehabilitation protocols
- Integration into daily clinical practice.
 

– Micro Functional Planes:
 

- Therapeutic tools for occlusal refinement
- Supporting neuromuscular adaptation to occlusal changes.
 

– Applications:
 

- Assisting adaptation to new occlusal positions
- Enhancing stability of functional outcomes.
 

– Registration of Postural Vertical Dimension:
 

- Scientific validation of functional vertical dimension
- Ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
 

– Posturometer:
 

- Verification of vertical dimension
- Assessment of body balance and alignment
- Ensuring functional occlusion supports posture.
 

– Treatment Projection:
 

- Planning treatments using diagnostic tools
- Integration of clinical findings into treatment strategy.
 

– Diagnostic Wax-Up:
 

- Mounting cases on an articulator
- Using the established vertical dimension
- Ensuring precision and predictability of treatment plan.

Postural functional occlusion

– Postural Functional Occlusion:

- Principles of a functional and posturally harmonious occlusion
- Relationship between occlusion and overall body alignment
- Creating a stable and balanced bite.
 

– Key elements of functional occlusion
– Integration of occlusion with postural balance
– Clinical criteria for harmonious bite design
– Construction of a physiological occlusal plane
– Support of TMJ function
– Contribution to overall postural balance
– Role of anterior and canine guidance
– Importance of Spee’s curve
– Protection and stabilization of the TMJ
– Design of functional occlusal contacts
– Establishment of effective disocclusion zones
– Ensuring functional efficiency and TMJ support.

Clinical Cases analysis and Hands-on 

– Presentation of real clinical cases from diagnosis to stabilised postural outcomes
– Step-by-step application of course concepts and performance of clinical protocols for postural centric relation, neuromuscular postural vertical dimension, and postural functional occlusion
– Practical insights into clinical decision-making and treatment execution.