Open bites in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation presenting for orthodontic treatment: A retrospective study from Najran province

Abstract

Background: Open bite (OB) is a vertical malocclusion and is considered the most challenging malocclusion to manage. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence and describe the pattern of OB among patients presenting for orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and twenty-six male and female patients who were presenting for orthodontic treatment of dental malocclusion were retrospectively reviewed. They were screened with cephalometric X-rays. Demographics and type of OBs were retrieved. Data were stored and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for IOS Version 25 (Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp). Results: Of the 326 cases who presented for the management of different types of malocclusion, 78 (23.9%) had OB. There were 23 (29.5%) males and 55 (70.5%) females with an M: F ratio of 1:2.4. Age ranged from 9 to 40 years with mean ± standard deviation (19.5 ± 6.9). Most of the patients (33, 42.4%) were cases of anterior OB (AOB), 20 (25.6%) were cases of posterior OB (POB), while 25 (32.0%) cases were combined OB (COB). Bulk of the patients had Class I molar relationship (42, 53.8%). Six (7.7%) patients reported being involved in oral habits. Conclusion: A high prevalence of 42.4% of AOB, 25.6% of POB, and 32.0% for COB was reported. A population-based study is required in Najran province among preschool and early school children.