Although
many treatment modalities are used in an attempt to correct
an open bite,
particularly, an anterior open bite, the success rate
of achieving correction, proper overlap of the incisors
is 80%. In other words, there are 20% of patients who
do not have correction of the open bite.1 The orthodontic
treatments for open bite are used singly, or in combination.
These are: oblique headgear, clenching exercises, vertical
elastics, posterior bite blocks, and orthognathic surgery.
There are many possible explanations for the instability
of open bite corrections, but the most important is the
non-adaptability of the tongue. Most open bites are associated
with a tongue thrusting, or reverse swallowing pattern.
Therefore, even after initial removal of orthodontic appliances,
and the open bite has been correct, the open bite may
relapse, return, due to the tongue thrusting pattern.1
REFERENCES:
(1) Shapiro PA. Stability of open bite treatment.
Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2002;121(6):566-8.
