Nonsurgical treatment of skeletal anterior open bite in adult patients: Posterior build-ups.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) evaluate the efficacy of build-ups in the correction of anterior open bite in adults, (2) evaluate their efficacy in producing molar intrusion, (3) analyze skeletal and dental changes, and (4) assess the long-term stability.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The sample consisted of 93 lateral cephalograms from 31 patients with skeletal and dental anterior open bite. The patients had received orthodontic treatment consisting of bonded resin blocks on the maxillary molars combined with Tip-Edge Plus bracket appliances. Cephalometric measurements were performed on radiographs taken before treatment (T1), after treatment (T2), and after a retention period (T3), which were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

Significant dental and skeletal changes were observed after treatment. Molar intrusion averaging 1 mm; 1.44 and 1.57 mm extrusion of mandibular and maxillary incisors, respectively; and a mean of 3.98 mm overbite increase were observed. The mandibular plane angle showed a mean closure of 1.19°, and there was a mean decrease in anterior facial height of 0.7 mm. A mild relapse tendency was observed, but long-term stability was acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Build-ups are an effective treatment alternative for anterior open bite in adults. Outcomes remain significantly stable during the retention period.