Analyzing the contribution of the dental components and abnormal habits in the development of dental open bite in growing children: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Dental Open bite malocclusion could be caused by either aberrant dental development or abnormal oral habits. Aim: The current study aimed at analyzing the causative factors of dental open bite in a group of growing female subjects having normal vertical growth pattern. Materials and methods: Dental measurements were performed on lateral cephalometric radiographs and study models of 176 growing females with an age range of 9-12 years and average vertical skeletal growth pattern. They were divided into 2 equal groups; group 1 consisted of subjects with dental open bite and group 2 consisted of subjects with normal overbite. The existence of oral habits was also recorded for each patient in the 2 groups Results: The flattened curve of Spee and the proclination of the upper incisors were statistically higher in the open bite group. The ratios of occurrence of thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and mouth breathing habits in the open bite group were statistically higher than in the control group. Conclusions: The flattened curve of Spee, and the proclination of upper incisors, together with some oral habits should be cautiously addressed by the orthodontic clinician during the treatment planning process of open bite malocclusions. This could help in resolving the causative factor of the malocclusion.