Open bite: diagnosis, treatment and stability

Braz Dent J. 2012;23(6):768-78. doi: 10.1590/s0103-64402012000600024.

Abstract

Open bite has fascinated Orthodontics due to the difficulties regarding its treatment and maintenance of results. This anomaly has distinct characteristics that, in addition to the complexity of multiple etiological factors, have aesthetic and functional consequences. Within this etiological context, several types of mechanics have been used in open bite treatment, such as palatal crib, orthopedic forces, occlusal adjustment, orthodontic camouflage with or without extraction, orthodontic intervention using mini-implants or mini-plates, and even orthognathic surgery. An accurate diagnosis and etiological determination are always the best guides to establish the objectives and the ideal treatment plan for such a malocclusion. This report describes two cases of open bite. At the end of the treatment, both patients had their canines and molars in Class I occlusion, normal overjet and overbite, and stability during the posttreatment period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cephalometry / methods
  • Child
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Extraoral Traction Appliances
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malocclusion, Angle Class III / diagnosis
  • Malocclusion, Angle Class III / therapy
  • Mandible / growth & development
  • Mouth Breathing / diagnosis
  • Open Bite / diagnosis*
  • Open Bite / etiology
  • Open Bite / therapy
  • Orthodontic Retainers
  • Palatal Expansion Technique
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Speech Disorders / diagnosis
  • Tongue Habits
  • Tooth Ankylosis / diagnosis
  • Tooth Ankylosis / therapy
  • Tooth Eruption, Ectopic / diagnosis
  • Tooth Eruption, Ectopic / surgery
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Tooth Movement Techniques / methods
  • Treatment Outcome