Open-bite relapse. Report of a case.

Although the tooth positioner was initially helpful in promoting improved esthetics and stability, it in effect became an orthodontic appliance by maintaining the original, treated occlusal plane. Subsequently, the lower third molars erupted above the occlusal plane and caused the mandible to rotate downward and backward, resulting in an unsightly bite opening. Removal of the etiologic factors, the tooth positioner, and third molars corrected the open-bite relapse.