Effect of maxillary molar intrusion on surrounding bone density during treatment of anterior open bite

Abstract

The aim of the current work is to estimate the impact of posterior maxillary intrusion on the surrounding bone intensity during correction of anterior open bite (AOB). The sample was 14 patients suffering from mild to moderate (3-5mm) anterior open bite with increased posterior maxillary vertical height. This study sample was allocated into two groups according to the corticotomy the approach. Buccal miniplates and palatal mini screws were used as skeletal anchorage for maxillary molars’ intrusion. The density of the alveolar bone related to right and left maxillary first permanent molars were measured 4.5 months after intrusion commencement. The study revealed that the alveolar bone density of right and left first permanent molars had statistically significant decreases. In the right side, buccal and palatal cortical density had statistically significant decrease, however it was non significant for left both cortical bone. Absolute molar intrusion could be attained by skeletal anchorage miniplates and mini screws in patients with frontal open bite malocclusion. The variation of bone intensity between buccal and palatal sides may account for the variance bone thickness changes after intrusion from the buccal to the palatal sides.