Clear aligner treatment of an adult open bite with bilateral missing mandibular first molars through molar protraction with Albert cantilever arms.

Premature loss of first permanent molars is a common occurrence in clinical practice, leading to abnormal occlusion and inefficient mastication for patients. This case report presented the orthodontic retreatment of a 32-year-old female patient who suffered from premature loss of mandibular bilateral first molars. The mesial tipping of the mandibular second molars led to an occlusal interference, resulting in a clockwise rotation of the lower jaw and an anterior open bite (AOB). We achieved long-distance molar mesialization using clear aligners with Albert cantilever arms. After 42 months of treatment, the patient's occlusion and facial profile significantly improved. The cantilever combined with the cleat aligner treatment has been clinically effective for the protraction of mandibular posterior teeth, extending the field of application of clear aligners.

Does Invisalign Outperform Fixed Appliance in Treating Vertical Discrepancies?

Aligners became popular among adult patients for their superior aesthetics and comfort in comparison to conventional fixed appliances. It has undergone numerous enhancements over time, allowing it to address more complex malocclusions. Many researchers argued that managing vertical discrepancies is more challenging than addressing anteroposterior issues. This complexity arose from the mechanical requirements for treatment and the required mechanics to prevent relapse. Studies assessing the treatment outcome of anterior open bite closure using clear aligners have yielded conflicting results regarding the mechanisms of bite closure. Proposed mechanisms included extrusion of upper or lower incisors, lingual tipping of upper or lower incisors, intrusion of upper or lower molars, counterclockwise rotation of the mandible, or various combinations of these mechanisms. The research highlighted the biomechanical challenges associated with using aligners for the treatment of deep bites as mandibular incisor intrusion and leveling the curve of Spee remain among the least predictable movements. Given the widespread use of aligners, it is imperative to rigorously assess the effectiveness of clear aligners in achieving overbite correction to ensure they deliver the desired outcome. This review aimed to assess the performance of Invisalign in the management of vertical discrepancies. It sought to identify the dentoskeletal effects of clear aligners in addressing deep bite and anterior open bite cases, understand the mechanisms behind overbite correction, and provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on this topic.

Improved stability of open bite deformities: taking control of the transverse width using digital technology and robotic archwire bending.

Many factors need to be considered when selecting treatment protocol for surgical correction of skeletal open bite deformities. In order to achieve stable long-term results, it is essential to explore the origin of the open bite, including dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, tongue and compromised nasal breathing, in addition to the skeletal deformity. Recurrence of skeletal open bite is associated with relapse of the expanded transverse width. Three-dimensional virtual planning allows different treatment options to be explored and final decisions to be made together with the orthodontist. This study presents a treatment protocol for predictable and stable widening of the maxillary transverse width over the long term, involving premolar extraction and rounding and shortening of the upper dental arch by advancing the molar segments. The stability of inter-canine, inter-premolar, and inter-molar distances, as well as overjet and overbite, were measured in 16 patients treated with this technique; measurements were obtained pre- and post-surgery, and the mean follow-up was 43 months. Orthodontic treatment was designed digitally and finished with robotically bent wires (SureSmile), which allowed exact planning of the overall treatment, thus making orthognathic surgery more predictable for the patient. The changes in transverse width were significant and stable over time.

Anterior Open Bite Treated With Palatal Crib and Myofunctional Therapy: A Case Report.

The most prevalent oral habit and one of the most often habitual behavioral patterns in preschool-aged children is thumb-sucking. This behavior is crucial to the development of malocclusion and must be addressed carefully since it may cause a secondary tongue thrust that worsens the issue. Developing an effective treatment plan requires determining the underlying cause, which may include psychological, physiological, and or anatomical factors. Overall prevention of behavior needs to be planned for successful outcomes. One such device for treating tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking habits is the palatal crib. The present case shows the possible effectiveness of palatal crib use in conjunction with myofunctional therapy for a child whose diagnosis involves habitually holding the tongue low and sucking the thumb that causes an anterior open bite (AOB). An 11-year-old boy with flared and spaced upper and lower incisors also had an AOB. Myofunctional therapy was combined with palatal cribs to help the tongue reposition itself and discourage the habit of sucking. The AOB was successfully corrected with an appropriate overjet and overbite after a total of three months of treatment.

Factors influencing young patient arrival date at the orthodontic office: a study of 456 cases / Facteurs influençant la date d'arrivée du jeune patient au cabinet d'orthodontie : une étude sur 456 cas.

Introduction: The arrival date young patient's first orthodontic consultation is unrestricted but may influence the choice of treatment plan as well as its modalities. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence the date of the first consultation at the orthodontic office: advice from a third party or a health professional, the patient's gender, the socioeconomic level, the actual need for orthodontic treatment, and the vertical and anteroposterior skeletal dysmorphia. Materials and Methods: Young patient's file younger than 16 years were systematically included. A Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis test was performed in univariate and multivariate analysis. The threshold was 5%. Results: 456 young patients were included. Anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy, referral by an acquaintance, and socioeconomic level appeared to be factors influencing patient arrival date. Gender, actual need for orthodontic treatment, referral from a health professional, and vertical skeletal discrepancy did not influence the arrival date at the office. Discussion: The date of consultation is not related to the actual orthodontic treatment need. Word-of-mouth seems to play an important role. Patients seem to relate an anteroposterior discrepancy to the need to consult an orthodontist, but do not relate it to vertical discrepancy, although ventilation may be related to severe dysmorphia. Conclusion: This study encourages more communication about orthodontic treatment indications with patients and caregivers.

Introduction: La date d'arrivée du jeune patient en première consultation orthodontique est libre mais peut influencer le choix du plan de traitement, ainsi que ses modalités. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer les facteurs qui influencent la date de première consultation au cabinet d'orthodontie : le conseil d'un tiers ou d'un professionnel de santé, le genre du patient, le niveau socio-économique, le besoin réel de traitement orthodontique, la dysmorphie squelettique verticale et antéro-postérieure. Matériels et méthodes: Les dossiers de jeunes patients de moins de 16 ans ont été systématiquement inclus. Un test de Wilcoxon et Kruskal-Wallis a été effectué en analyse univariée et multivariée. Le seuil retenu était de 5 %. Résultats: Au total, 456 patients ont été inclus. Le décalage squelettique antéro-postérieur, le fait d'être adressé par une connaissance et le niveau socio-économique semblent être des facteurs influençant la date d'arrivée du jeune patient. Le genre, le besoin réel de traitement orthodontique, le fait d'être adressé par un professionnel de santé, le décalage squelettique vertical n'ont pas d'influence sur la date d'arrivée au cabinet. Discussion: La date de consultation n'est pas liée au besoin réel de traitement. Le bouche à oreille semble jouer un rôle important. Les patients semblent faire le lien entre un décalage antéro-postérieur et la nécessité de consulter un orthodontiste, mais ne le font pas pour le décalage vertical alors que la ventilation peut être liée à des dysmorphies sévères. Conclusion: Cette étude encourage à communiquer davantage sur les indications de traitement orthodontique avec les patients et les soignants.

Correction of a severe post-surgical iatrogenic class II anterior open bite with lingual appliances and mini-screws: a case report.

An iatrogenic open bite after orthognathic surgery is an uncommon malocclusion, with only one documented case reported in the literature. However, the open bite in this case report was not a true open bite, as it resulted from the interferences between the maxillary second molars and mandibular retromolar bones. This case report aims to present the management of a true iatrogenic open bite with posterior teeth in centric occlusion, occurring after mandibular setback surgery. The anterior open bite accompanied a severe class II malocclusion and increased lower anterior facial height. The patient was treated with fixed lingual appliances and mini-screws to distalize the entire maxillary arch and close the open bite. After treatment, a positive overbite and dental class I relationship was achieved. The treatment outcomes were stable at the 2-year follow-up. Lingual appliances combined with mini-screws may offer effective non-surgical management of iatrogenic open bite after orthognathic surgery. Clinical and Surgical Implications: Iatrogenic open bites can develop from various causes that include surgical options such as orthognathic surgery or in patients treated with occlusal splint therapy. These may be treated with the help of skeletal anchorage options such as orthodontic mini-screws.

Post-condylectomy orthodontic treatment for a severe asymmetrical open bite in a condylar hyperplasia patient.

A satisfactory treatment of an 18-year-old lady was reported with right combination-type condylar hyperplasia (CH) in active phase. The chin severely deviated to the left, with the right gonial angle locating at a lower level. Intraorally, the lower centre line shifted to the left, the scale of which reached the width of one lower incisor. The right molar relation was mesial. Right maxillary second molar over-erupted without contact to lower teeth. There had been 2.5-mm anterior open bite (AOB) before surgery (T1) due to the tongue-spitting habit. After judging the benefits and disadvantages of all treatment alternatives, the decision was made to perform a right condylectomy and post-surgery orthodontics. Before orthodontics (T2) when the chin was positioned centred, an asymmetrical open bite occurred, caused by pre-contact between the right maxillary and mandibular second molars. Meanwhile, the AOB at T2 became 11.5mm. Orthodontic-related treatment included four premolars extraction and intrusion of bilateral maxillary molars using four miniscrews. Finally, this treatment achieved a clinically centred chin with two gonial angles at the same level. Post-condylectomy, the large AOB was resolved, together with a bilateral neutral molar relationship and alignment of the incisor midlines. Besides, the resected right condyle was covered by a continuous cortex bone and returned to the glenoid fossa. In sum, a high-challenging combined-type CH case was accomplished with impressive improvement in facial and occlusal symmetry, thanks to condylectomy and post-surgery miniscrew-assisted orthodontics.

Strategic treatment planning for anterior open bite: A comprehensive approach.

Anterior open bite (AOB), characterized by the lack of vertical overlap between upper and lower anterior teeth, poses a considerable challenge in orthodontics. The condition depends on many factors that combine to render it difficult to achieve post treatment stability. AOB is commonly classified as dental, skeletal, or functional on the basis of the clinical presentation and causative factors. Traditionally, skeletal AOB necessitates surgical intervention, whereas nonsurgical approaches such as extrusion arches and the Multiloop Edgewise Archwire Technique (MEAW) can be employed in more straightforward cases. Functional appliances are reserved for situations in which a patient's growth potential offers the possibility of effectively addressing AOB. This review presents a strategic treatment approach for addressing AOB, taking into account the classification and severity of the condition. The proposed SHE framework describes the use of mini-screws (S) for anchorage and vertical control, encouragement to correct habits (H), and the utilization of extractions and elastics (E). By incorporating extra-radicular mini-screws, AOB closure is achieved through anterior retraction in extraction cases or whole arch distalization of dentition with elastics in non-extraction cases. This framework emphasizes habit correction through a regimen of oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) and habit-correcting appliances to enhance posttreatment stability. This review suggests that nonsurgical correction is viable in the majority of cases, whereas surgical intervention should be reserved for severe cases of skeletal vertical overgrowth or horizontal discrepancies.

From an Open Bite to a Harmonious Smile: Orthodontic Intervention With Bluegrass Appliance and Tongue Thrust Resolution.

The tongue-thrusting habit significantly contributes to the development of the anterior open bite (AOB), particularly when an infantile swallowing pattern persists into the later stages of childhood and adolescence. This habit results in the protrusion of the anterior teeth. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying causes, incorporating retraining exercises, and utilizing mechanical appliances to control tongue positioning. However, commonly used devices such as palatal cribs or spurs may present challenges, including speech impediments, chewing difficulties, and the potential for unintended injuries. This paper presents a case report detailing the treatment of a patient with an AOB, dental protrusion, and spacing. The treatment approach included the application of a fixed tongue trainer, in the form of a modified bluegrass appliance. Subsequent fixed orthodontic therapy was employed to rectify proclined teeth within the dental arch.

Skeletal Anterior Open Bite Attenuates the Chewing-Related Increase in Brain Blood Flow.

The masticatory function of patients with skeletal anterior open bite (OPEN) is reported to be impaired compared with that of patients with normal occlusion (NORM). In this study, we compared brain blood flow (BBF) in patients with OPEN and NORM and investigated the factors related to BBF during mastication in patients with OPEN. The study included 17 individuals with NORM and 33 patients with OPEN. The following data were collected: number of occlusal contacts, jaw movement variables during mastication, and BBF measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy during chewing. The number of occlusal contacts, maximum closing and opening speeds, closing angle, and vertical amplitude were smaller in the OPEN than in the NORM group. Interestingly, BBF increased less in the OPEN group. Correlation analysis revealed that several parameters, including number of occlusal contacts and closing angle, were correlated with changes in BBF during mastication. These results suggest that not only occlusion but also jaw movement variables and factors related to masticatory muscles contribute to the chewing-related increase in BBF. In conclusion, BBF increases less during mastication in patients with OPEN than in those with NORM. In addition, the higher increase in BBF is correlated with jaw movement. Together, we discovered that OPEN exhibits significant adverse effects not only on masticatory function but also on brain function.

Prospective case series study on the survival rates of occlusal polymethyl methacrylate veneers as a semipermanent therapy in patients with severe pathologic tooth wear.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the survival rate of minimally invasive semipermanent occlusal polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) onlays/veneers in previous temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with severe tooth wear and with a loss of vertical dimension after up to 7 years. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This case series was designed as a follow-up evaluation with consecutive patient recruitment. All patients bearing the indication for this kind of rehabilitation were treated by the same clinician using the same adhesive methodology. The study included 22 patients (3 men/19 women), with a mean ± SD age of 50.7 ± 11.6 years. Controls followed within the first 4 weeks (and subsequently as required). Failure criteria included damage by fracture, chipping, and retention loss. Survival rates were determined based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: 328 semipermanent occlusal/incisal veneers were included (142 maxillary/186 mandibular teeth). Almost 80% of the restorations were in place and in function when starting the follow-up treatment after 180 days; failures predominantly occurred within the first 3 to 6 months but proved reparable. Depending on the patients' priorities, scheduled replacements followed successively, and more than 65% did not show repair or any renewal needs for more than 360 days. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study the survival rates of occlusal veneers made of PMMA were sufficiently high to allow for consecutive treatment of the respective teeth by means of permanent restorations while preserving the restored vertical dimension. In patients with severe tooth wear and a TMD history, semipermanent restorative therapy with occlusal PMMA onlays/veneers would seem a noteworthy option.

Effects of Occlusal Contact on Maxillary Alveolar Bone Morphology in Patients with and without Anterior Open Bite: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Anterior open bite (AOB) is characterized by the absence of occlusal contact between the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, while the posterior teeth are in contact when occluded. Here, we aimed to clarify the difference in maxillary alveolar bone morphology in adult patients with and without AOB. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 adults aged 18-39 years: 25 patients without AOB (control group; 13 males and 12 females; age: mean ± standard deviation [SD], 22.2 ± 4.5 years) and 25 patients with AOB (9 males and 16 females; age: 24.2 ± 6.4 years). Using cone-beam computed tomography images, the height of the maxillary alveolar bone crest in the anterior and posterior teeth and thickness of the alveolar cortical bone on the labial and palatal sides were measured and compared between the two groups. An independent t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to examine statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: The AOB group showed a significantly longer (p = 0.016) posterior alveolar crest and thinner cortical bone on the buccal (p < 0.001) and lingual (p = 0.009) sides of the anterior region and the buccal (p = 0.006) sides of the posterior region than the control group did. Moreover, a significant negative correlation (p = 0.046; r = -0.403) was observed between bite force and cortical bone thickness on the buccal side of the posterior region in the AOB group. Conclusions: It is suggested that the absence of occlusal contact in the anterior area influences the alveolar bone morphology of the maxilla.

Management of a severe skeletal open bite case using temporary anchorage devices and multiloop edgewise arch wire technique.

The primary cause of complex AOB malocclusion is typically a combination of dental, skeletal, functional, and habitual factors. Open bite correction is a challenging treatment due to its complexity and the requirement for long-term stability, therefore, multidisciplinary treatment is often the best option for achieving stable esthetic outcomes.

Orthodontic camouflage treatment of a hyperdivergent adolescent patient with anterior open bite and TMD: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In orthodontics, anterior open bite is a common malocclusion that recurs frequently. Because the causes of anterior open bite are so varied, medical professionals must create customized treatment programs for each patient based on their unique etiology. Through the lowering of the posterior teeth, closure of the anterior teeth gap, and cooperation with intermaxillary traction, the treatment plan outlined in this case study sought to achieve a stable occlusion. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report aims to describe an orthodontic camouflage treatment of a 15-year-old female patient with anterior open bite, arch width discrepancy and a history of temporomandibular joint disorder. The patient was treated with intermaxillary vertical elastics and the multiple edgewise arch wire (MEAW) approach. A satisfactory occlusion with a neutral molar relationship was attained after 29 months of orthodontic therapy. The condylography recording showed that this patient's occlusion tended to be more stable both before and after our treatment. The purpose of this case study is to provide an overview of an orthodontic camouflage treatment for a female patient, who had a history of temporomandibular joint disease, anterior open bite, and arch width disparity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that more attention should be paid to levelling the occlusal plane, intrusion of the molars, decompression of temporomandibular joints and the etiology factors of malocclusion during the orthodontic period for those patients with anterior open bite.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Treatment Effects and Post-Treatment Stability of Maxillary Molar Intrusion Using Temporary Anchorage Devices in Open Bite Malocclusion.

Background: We investigated treatment outcomes and post-treatment stability in 10 patients with an anterior open bite and nonsurgical orthodontics. Methods: The patients underwent maxillary molar intrusion using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to deepen the overbite due to mandibular autorotation. Lateral cephalograms and dental cast models were obtained before treatment (T0), immediately after it (T1), and >1 year after it (T2). Skeletal and dental cephalometric changes and three-dimensional movements of the maxillary dentitions were evaluated. Results: At T0, cephalometric analysis indicated that patients had skeletal class I with tendencies for a class II jaw relationship and a skeletal open bite. During active treatment (T0 to T1), the maxillary first molar intruded by 1.6 mm, the mandibular first molar extruded by 0.3 mm, the Frankfort-mandibular plane angle decreased by 1.1°, and the overbite increased by 4.1 mm. Statistically significant changes were observed in the amount of vertical movement of the maxillary first molar, Frankfort-mandibular plane angle, and overbite. Three-dimensional (3D) dental cast analysis revealed that the maxillary first and second molars intruded, whereas the anterior teeth extruded, with the second premolar as an infection point. In addition, the maxillary molar was tipped distally by 2.9° and rotated distally by 0.91°. Statistically significant changes were observed in the amount of vertical movement of the central incisor, lateral incisor, canine and first molar, and molar angulation. From T1 to T2, no significant changes in cephalometric measurements or the 3D position of the maxillary dentition were observed. The maxillary and mandibular dentitions did not significantly change during post-treatment follow-up. Conclusions: Maxillary molar intrusion using mini-screws is an effective treatment for open bite correction, with the achieved occlusion demonstrating 3D stability at least 1 year after treatment.

Craniomandibular transverse tomographic evaluation after anterior open bite orthodontic treatment with miniplates anchorage.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal anterior open bite (SAOB) represents one of the most complex and challenging malocclusions in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment supported by miniplates enable to reduce the need for orthognathic surgery. Transverse dimension may be affected by intrusion biomechanics. This study aims to assess transverse bone alterations in patients with SAOB who underwent orthodontic treatment with absolute anchorage using four miniplates. METHODS: A total of 32 patients of both sexes, with an average age of 33.8 years, diagnosed with SAOB and treated orthodontically with four miniplates (one in each hemiarch), were selected for this study. Tomographic examinations were performed before (T1) and after (T2) orthodontic treatment. Linear measurements (width of the maxillary base, maxillary alveolar, maxillary root, maxillary dental cusp, mandibular alveolar) and angular measurements (maxillary intermolar angle) were assessed in these images. The Shapiro-Wilks normality tests were applied to verify data distribution, and the paired t-test was used to compare the initial and final measures obtained. RESULTS: Among the evaluated parameters, the maxillary alveolar width, maxillary dental cusp width, mandibular alveolar cusp width, and intermolar angle showed statistically significant differences between T1 and T2 (p < 0.05). However, maxillary base and maxillary root widths showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intrusion and distalization with miniplates in SAOB therapy may lead to significant expansive changes, due to molars cusps width and buccal inclination increase restricted at the alveolar level.

Management Strategies for Open Bite Relapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of orthodontic therapy is to correct malocclusion and produce a stable outcome that endures over time. Long-term stability can be difficult to achieve, and many patients relapse after treatment, particularly in instances of open bite relapse (OBR). This systematic review aimed to analyze different types of management strategies for OBR and conduct a meta-analysis to find the best method of dealing with relapse. A comprehensive search was carried out across six major online databases using relevant keywords pertaining to our study, including "open bite relapse," "orthodontic retention," "orthodontic surgery," "orthodontic appliance," "orthodontic management," "orthodontic treatment," "orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT)," "skeletal anchorage," and "treatment follow-up period." Eleven studies were selected after the application of relevant inclusion and exclusion strategies. The mean follow-up period of treatment for the studies ranged from six months to 4.5 years. Of all the management strategies assessed, OMT was found to be the least effective for OBR management. Surgical management modalities, such as mandibular repositioning and molar intrusion using skeletal anchorage, in conjunction with the usage of orthodontic appliances, were found to be noticeably effective, especially in the cases of participants who were <18 years of age. However, when utilized on a singular basis, either of them was found to be lacking the desired effect. The overall odds ratio (OR) of 0.48 (0.37, 0.64) and risk ratio (RR) of 0.62 (0.51, 0.74) were obtained after the meta-analysis of the different interventions for OBR, indicating statistical significance. There were only 11 studies included in the study, so it's possible that not all management strategies for OBR were fully understood. The limited number of studies may also have affected the generalizability of the findings. Although statistical differences were obtained to a certain degree, more clinical trials are needed to assess the effect of such surgical modalities as a viable management tool for OBR, since these represent a significant limiting factor in terms of the overall cost of the treatment placed upon the patient. Prior to the start of the research, registration was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. The research protocol was created to meet the goals and was properly filed with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023401991).

Effectiveness of Invisalign Treatment on Open Bite Correction.

Background: Open bite is a common orthodontic malocclusion that can have functional and aesthetic implications. Traditional orthodontic treatments have been used to correct open bites, but the effectiveness of Invisalign, a clear aligner therapy, in open bite correction remains a topic of interest. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 50 patients with open bites who underwent Invisalign treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment records, including cephalometric radiographs, dental models, and clinical photographs, were assessed. The open bite was defined as a negative overbite greater than 2 mm. Treatment duration, number of aligners used, and patient compliance were also recorded. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests and subjective patient feedback, was employed to evaluate the treatment outcomes. Results: The mean pre-treatment open bite was -3.5 mm (SD = 1.2), and the mean treatment duration was 18 months (SD = 2.5). On average, patients received 24 sets of aligners (SD = 4.1) during the treatment. Post-treatment evaluation showed that the mean overbite improved to + 1.5 mm (SD = 0.8), indicating successful open bite correction. The paired t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment open bite measurements (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was high, with 90% of participants reporting improved aesthetics and comfort. Conclusion: Invisalign treatment demonstrates effectiveness in correcting open bites, with statistically significant improvements in overbite measurements.

Effects of Froggy Mouth Appliance in Pediatric Patients with Atypical Swallowing: A Prospective Study.

Atypical swallowing has a high incidence in growing subjects. Orthopedic treatment with orthodontic appliances and speech therapy are the main approaches to this problem. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in the dental arches induced by one year of treatment with the Froggy Mouth myofunctional appliance designed to correct atypical swallowing. In total, 16 patients with atypical swallowing were instructed to use the Froggy Mouth appliance. A digital intraoral impression was taken at baseline (T0). The Froggy Mouth appliance had to be used for 15 min/day throughout the treatment period. At the end of the first year of treatment (T1), another impression was taken with the same intraoral scanner. Digital casts of the T0 and T1 impressions were obtained using software and the two casts were superimposed to record the following measurements: upper intercanine distance, upper arch diameter, upper arch width, overbite and overjet. The data were statistically analyzed (significance threshold: p < 0.05). Student's t-test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment measurements. Linear regressions were performed to assess the influence of arch width on anterior and posterior diameters. A significant increase was found for the upper arch diameters (p < 0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found for the incisor relationship (overjet/overbite) (p > 0.05). To date, the efficacy of this appliance has not been extensively studied. According to the present prospective study, the Froggy Mouth protocol could be a valuable method as a myofunctional therapy for atypical swallowing, but further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Noninvasive conservative management of anterior open bite treated with TADs versus clear aligner therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Anterior open bite can be treated non-surgically via molar intrusion using temporary skeletal devices (TAD). Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is recognized as a viable therapeutic modality for non-extraction treatment of adults with mild open bite. This study aimed to compare the treatment effect and mechanisms of open bite closure between patients treated with braces and TADs double arch intrusion and those treated with CAT. Treatment success at T3 was based on 1- positive overbite on ceph; 2- Change in the vertical dimension 3- post treatment POSI score equal to zero. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The TAD group includes 18 consecutively treated patients from the main author. The CAT group consisted of 16 selected patients from three different orthodontists. The observation time points were as follows: pretreatment (T1), end of molar intrusion and positive overbite achieved (T2), end of treatment (T3), at least 6-month follow-up (T4). Treatment changes were assessed by cephalometric analysis and frontal intraoral photo. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, 100% of the patient of the TAD group and 78,6% of the CAT group had a posi score of 0. The TAD group showed a significant reduction in vertical measurements (SN-MPA: -1,55° ± 0.41, LAFH: -3,05 ± 0.51 mm, U6-PP: -1.48 ± 0.30 mm), but the CAT group did not have significant changes for these variables. Both groups had significant increases in overbite from T1 to T3 (TAD: 4,32 ± 0,5 mm; CAT: 2,33 ± 0.56 mm), and overbite remained stable at T4. The CAT group did not have a significant upper molar intrusion, but a significant extrusion of 1.22 ± 0.42 mm of the lower incisor occurred. CONCLUSION: The TAD group achieved bite closure by upper molar intrusion, lower molar and incisors vertical control, and mandibular plane counterclockwise rotation, resulting in an improved AP and vertical relationship. The CAT group achieved bite closure through the lower incisor extrusion without significant change in the vertical dimension. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides relevant information about the skeletal and dental changes of open bite treatment with TADs double arch intrusion. The comparison with a control group treated with CAT confirms known information.