Anterior openbite and its treatment with multiloop edgewise archwire.

Abstract

Etiologies and various treatment modalities regarding anterior openbite are discussed to elucidate the pros and cons of different approaches, with emphasis on understanding of the true nature of anterior openbite. Subjective interpretation in a diagnosis invariably leads into an erroneous description of a malocclusion, which can lead to a disastrous result. Cognizance of the anatomy, histology, physiology, and dynamics of orthodontic mechanotherapy can bring most openbite malocclusions into the realm of treatability, with a high degree of success and stability without surgical intervention. A Multiloop Edgewise Archwire (MEAW) technic developed over the past nineteen years is introduced, and three illustrative cases are presented.