INTRODUCTION

The anterior open bite is defined as a malocclusion characterized by the deviation in the vertical relationship of the maxilla and the mandible of the anterior sector, identified by a lack of contact between opposite segments¹. In this case, one or more teeth do not reach the occlusal plane and no contact is made with their antagonists. They are mainly caused by an over eruption of the upper posterior teeth, a vertical overgrowth of the posterior dentoalveolar complex or a swallowing with lingual protrusion. It is seen in individuals of any age with displaced incisors, in which it appears as an adaptation to the space between the teeth^1-3.

This malocclusion is developed by the interaction of several etiological factors: variations in dental eruption and alveolar growth, disproportion in muscle growth or even an aberrant neuromuscular function related to lingual dysfunctions, oral habits or both. That is, the presence of a hyperdivergent pattern, plus an abnormal lingual position (frequently associated with airway problems) or digital sucking habits, are risk factors for its development^4,5.

Until now it has not been possible to determine the exact role of inheritance as an etiological factor of this malocclusion. It has been possible to establish a high heritability in the craniofacial dimensions and relatively low in the variations of the dental arches, but the impact that it may have on the etiology of the bad occlusions that present skeletal and dental components remains unknown^6-7.

This malocclusion causes discomfort to the patient given its functional, masticatory, phonetic and aesthetic ineffectiveness; It is a difficult-to-treat dentomaxillary deformity, recurrences are frequent and a comprehensive approach that encompasses functional and aesthetic aspects is required^8-10.

The purpose of the present case is to analyze the treatment by means of orthodontic appliances of an adult patient with atypical swallowing who has an anterior open bite.

 

Case report

A 61-year-old female patient, who goes to the Mexican Institute of Orthodontics to be treated "for the separation of my teeth" without a history of any previous orthodontic treatment.

At the extraoral examination, an oval, brachifacial face, chin slightly deviated to the right and an enlarged lower third were observed. The smile analysis showed 40% of the clinical crown and a low, non-consonant and complex smile, the upper and lower midlines centered and coinciding with the facial midline. (Fig 1.)

FigurE 1. Extraoral analysis, profile and smile analysis.

In the intraoral analysis, the upper and lower midline centered, anterior open bite, adequate labial frenulum insertion was observed. Bilateral molar class I and bilateral Canine II class, 0.5mm Spee curve and gingival recessions in dental organs 33 and 43. The upper and lower U-shaped arch, diastemas, presence of third molars and crowns in dental organs 16 and 26 (Fig. 2)

Figure 2. Intraoral analysis.

In the highlight analysis, an overjet of 2mm and an overbite of -3mm (11 to 41 as a reference) were observed. (Fig. 3)

Figure 3. Highlighting photograph that allows to observe a negative overbite.

In the panoramic radiography an adequate root length and good condition of the periodontal ligament could be observed. On the lateral skull x-ray, a skeletal, biprotusive Class I, with anterior open bite, vertical growth is observed by Rickets. ( Fig. 4)

Figure 4. Panoramic and lateral x-ray of initial skull.

With a diagnosis of anterior open bite associated with atypical swallowing; He considered avoiding the surgical approach; The objectives of the orthodontic treatment plan were: maintain lower midline, shape dental arches, maintain Bilateral Molar Class I and obtain bilateral Canine I class. Improve profile, get bow smile and improve overjet and overbite.

“Full bonding” of Roth slot .022 prescription brackets was performed up to upper and lower third molars, placing brackets in centrals at 1.5 mm, laterals at 1 mm and canines at .5 mm more towards gingival with respect to the center of the anatomical crown of both arches to achieve extrusion and closure of the open bite and smile arch. The use of posterior occlusal stops and also of short and light anterior elastics (3/16 of 2.5 oz) from the first day of treatment was essential. (Fig. 5)

Figure 5. Use of occlusal stops and short and light elastics, which were essential to achieve the treatment objectives..

Results

Through the proposed treatment plan, the objective that was planned in 18 months could be fulfilled, observing that not every patient with an open bite is a candidate for surgical treatment and it was demonstrated that an orthodontic treatment can be achieved as a successful alternative. (Fig. 7 and 8)

Figure 7. Final results

Figure 8. X-rays of final results.

Discussion

The etiology of the anterior open bite is multifactorial and includes unfavorable growth patterns. It can affect speech, swallowing, chewing and aesthetics, thus creating inadequate conditions to lead a normal social life^11-13. Authors such as Zhou, Tavares and Atac, agree that patients with anterior open bite are affected in society due to low self-esteem, decreased levels of confidence and associated physiological problems^14-16.

For Bennet, due to the growth potential and the patient's collaboration, the treatment of open bites, especially those associated with habits in hyperdivergent patients, should be started at an early age^17-18.

Several treatment options are presented in the literature, with the aim of inhibiting the mechanical factors that maintain the anterior open bite and / or limit the excessive vertical growth of facial skeletal components. Garret 19 mentions that the adequate control of habits at an early age is very helpful, coinciding with the aforementioned by Bennet 18. However, he also mentions that when a patient reaches adulthood without any previous preventive or interceptive treatment , the management of treatment from the area of orthodontics or orthognathic surgery should be focused as required^18-19.

Many therapies have been aimed at increasing the stability of the results obtained in patients with open bite, authors such as Shapiro 20 recommend that the habit of tongue wait at least two years before withdrawing the therapy used to obtain a good function and prevent recurrence^20-21.

The correction of the open bite made through fixed orthodontics has been reported successfully. And the post-treatment records show favorable dentoalveolar changes with this type of therapy, as Alexander 21 reports in his studies, which have shown that only 35% of cases show significant recurrence of long-term open bite. According to López²², it is very important to note that the stability of the results obtained and the control of the factors that caused the malocclusion must be maintained, since it must be borne in mind that in the cases of patients with open bite the stability is still not predictable^21-22.

Finally, it is necessary to know the orthognathic principles and limits in the orthodontic movement, as well as a correct myofunctional management, especially in the presence of bad oral habits such as atypical swallowing.

 

Conclusions

Atypical swallowing with dental protrusion generates displacement of the incisors due to the incorrect position of the tongue. Therefore, it follows that correcting the position of the teeth should induce a change in the swallowing pattern, as is usually the case. It was shown that the treatment applied do not need surgery to correct open bite, and can provide stability to occlusion, other factors to improve the aesthetic and functional patient.

Bibliografía

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