Anterior Open Bite Treated by Maxillary Posterior Teeth Intrusion Using Zygomatic Miniplates: A Case Report

Abstract

This case report aims to demonstrate the successful utilization of zygomatic miniplates in the treatment of an adult patient with anterior open bite (AOB). During treatment of anterior open bite, incisor extrusion may compromise facial esthetics in cases with long facial height and/or sufficient incisor exposure at rest and smile.The intrusion of posterior teeth has the advantage of correcting vertical dimension and maintaining proper incisors show. The patient, a 22-year-old boy, had an anterior open bite of 4.5 mm with increased lower facial height, bilateral posterior crossbite, and two different occlusal planes in the upper arch. Titanium miniplates were used to intrude maxillary posterior teeth with a transpalatal arch appliance to limit buccal tipping.The intrusive force was then applied through elastomeric chains placed bilaterally in the maxillary arch between the miniplate and posterior teeth.The anterior open bite was corrected within 7 months of intrusion with decreased lower facial heightand significant improvement in anteroposterior jaw relationship. This report emphasizes the significant role of facial appearance and smile. Most of the non-surgical approaches are not suitable for open bite correction in cases with long facial height and/or sufficient incisor exposure at rest and smile because of their extrusive mechanics which compromise the facial and smile esthetics. The intrusion of posterior teeth using min iplates allowing a counterclockwise rotation of the mandible to correct anterior open bite without compromising facial esthetic and smile.