The aim of this work was to evaluate the results of open bite treatment with vertical elastic traction and extrusion arches, taking into account bone density and clinical findings. Bone density was assessed on Digora radiographs and on panoramic radiographs before and after treatment. Attention was also focused on side effects. The investigation was carried out in 37 patients (31 women and 6 men) with partial open bite. Patients aged 12-18 years were assigned to group I, older than 18 years to group II. Fixed appliances were attached to the upper and lower arches with vertical elastic traction. 158 radiographs of jaw bones were analyzed with the Digora computer system. Two panoramic radiographs were made in each patient. In addition, 84 Digora radiographs of upper and lower incisors were obtained in randomly selected patients. Successful correction of open bite was achieved in all patients. Mean slit size before treatment in I group was 3.2 mm. Treatment resulted in an overbite of 1.8 mm. Mean duration of treatment was 5.5 months. In group II, mean values before treatment were lower and mean duration of treatment longer. Comparison of radiographs of the incisors obtained before and after treatment revealed only very limited changes in bone structure.