Prevalence of anterior open bite in sample of Peshawar population - a study

ABSTRACT

Anterior open bite is said to exist when there is an actual vertical gap between the upper and lower incisors with the teeth in centric occlusion. The etiology of anterior open bite is multifactorial and can be attributed to genetic and environmental traits, reflected in pathologic [muscular dystrophy and cleft lip/palate] and developmental factors. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anterior open bite in sample of Peshawar population. Three hundred patients reporting to the department of orthodontic for treatment were included in the study. After taking detailed history and clinical examination an impression of each patient was recorded in alginate impression material and models were poured in dental stone. Measurements were done on dental casts for anterior open bite in millimeters [mm] with vernier caliper having least count of 0.01 mm. SPSS [16.0] was used to analyze the data statistically. Frequencies and percentages were tabulated for each variable. The chronological age range of the sample was 15-30 years with a mean age of 16.2 +/- 5.2 years. Female are more in number i.e. 56.6%]. Anterior open bite was present in 14[4.6%] patient. Less severe open bite [<1mm] was more common [9[3%]] than severe [>1mm-2mm] one [5[1.6%]]