Early Treatment of Anterior Open Bite Using the Rapid Molar Intruder

Short-term Soft and Hard Tissue Changes Following Skeletal Anterior Open Bite Treatment Using the Rapid Molar Intruder

This study evaluated the efficacy of rapid molar intruder (RMI) in treating anterior open bite in the mixed dentition. The study sample consisted of 40 patients who had a skeletal anterior open bite. The sample was allocated randomly into two groups: the RMI group and the control group. The skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes occurring after treatment were assessed by using lateral cephalometric images.

Many appliances have been used to treat skeletal anterior open bite (AOB) malocclusion, such as removable appliances, extra-oral appliances (vertical chin cup and vertical head gear), fixed appliances, Orthognathic surgery and functional appliances. Treatment with these appliances produces soft and hard dentofacial tissue changes. Many studies have been carried out in order to study these changes.

In this study, the investigators treated AOB using RMI. Patients were divided into two groups to evaluate the efficacy of RMI.

RMI group: Rapid molar intruder was applied. Control group: Untreated control group. In order to evaluate the changes occurring, lateral cephalometric images were taken in both groups at the beginning of the treatment (T1) and after 9 months of the first cephalograms (T2).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients in the mixed dentition
2. Chronological age between 8 and 12 years
3. skeletal class I or II malocclusion
4. Skeletal anterior open bite was assessed clinically and then confirmed radiographically: SN/GoMe was greater than 33°, MM was greater than 27
5. No general problems
6. Good oral health

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of periodontal diseases
2. Presence of general diseases, syndromes or cleft lip and palate
3. Patients with previous orthodontic treatment