Efficiency of Micro-osteoperforations for Accelerating Posterior Intrusion Using Skeletal Anchorage Unit

Abstract

Anterior open bite is one of the most challenging malocclusions especially in adult patients. The nature of this type of malocclusion is different owing to its multifactorial etiology in the form of a combination of skeletal, dental, respiratory, neurologic, and habitual factors.1 The morphologic pattern of skeletal open bite malocclusion is usually characterized by steep mandibular plane angle, increased lower anterior face height, and increased posterior dentoalveolar growth in one or both jaws.2 Various treatment modalities have been proposed for treatment of skeletal open bite. The appropriate decision among those options depends on the age, etiology, associated skeletal and dentoalveolar deformity. In growing patients, the main aim of early treatment is to eliminate the etiologic factor, using habit breaking appliances in order to reduce its adverse effect on growth and intercept the developing malocclusion. Treatment often requires redirecting and controlling hyperdivergent growth pattern. This could be achieved by depressing the posterior teeth with a high-pull headgear, repelling- magnet splints and posterior bite blocks. Other treatment options are directed towards controlling the backward rotation of the mandible using vertical-pull chin cup separately, or in conjunction with fixed orthodontic therapy.3