Protocol for the treatment of anterior open bite patients: an evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate dental, skeletal, and facial changes related to the extraction of second premolars in patients treated with a particular protocol for dental anterior open bite.


METHODS
The cephalometric films of 26 patients were analyzed at the beginning of treatment and after the completion of treatment. The sample was divided into 2 groups: growing and nongrowing.


RESULTS
The data showed retrusion and extrusion of incisors, mesial and extrusive movement of the molars, and slight changes of the ANB angle with minimal changes in the mandibular plane angle. Lips retruded and improved the profile. Only the vertical movement of the molars showed statistically significant differences.


CONCLUSIONS
This protocol allows predictable treatment of anterior open bite malocclusions with mesial movement of the molars, distal movement of the incisors, and some extrusion of both. This therapy has minimal skeletal effects and favorably influences the soft tissue profile.
Saldarriaga
Julio R
JR
School of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia. jrsmdr@epm.net.co
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000601:surgery; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008644:Mesial Movement of Teeth; D024343:Open Bite / Q000628:therapy*; D050793:Orthodontic Extrusion; D019516:Orthodontic Space Closure; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014081:Tooth Extraction