Anterior open bite has always been one of the most challenging malocclusions to treat. Patients often present with esthetic concerns, speech difficulties, and compromised function. While orthognathic surgery is a definitive option for severe skeletal open bites, not all patients are candidates—or willing—for surgery. Fortunately, nonsurgical strategies can offer promising results when case selection is appropriate.
Open bite malocclusion can be dental or skeletal in origin:
- Dental open bite:▸ Normal craniofacial pattern▸ Proclined incisors, under-erupted anterior teeth
▸ Often linked to habits like thumb/finger sucking
- Skeletal open bite:▸ Long face syndrome, ↑ mandibular plane angle, retrognathic mandible▸ Greater vertical growth pattern
▸ More difficult to manage without surgery
- UAFH : LAFH ratio (