Surgical vs nonsurgical treatments in patients with anterior open-bite have similar effects in occlusal function: A 2-year follow-up study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate changes in bite force (BF) and occlusal contact area after anterior open-bite (AOB) treatment and compare the changes in surgical vs nonsurgical treatment. This retrospective study included patients with AOB compared with normal occlusion. AOB was corrected by either intrusion of the maxillary molars (intrusion group, n= 19) or orthognathic surgery (surgery group, n= 37). The control group (n= 35) had a normal overbite relationship. Records of lateral cephalograms, BF, and occlusal contact area taken before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 2 years after (T2) orthodontic treatment were compared within and among the 3 groups. The open-bite group, including intrusion and surgery groups, had a lower BF and less occlusal contact area than the control group at T0 and T1 (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups at T2 (P>0.05). The intrusion and surgery groups showed no significant differences throughout the observation period extending from T0 to T2 (P>0.05). Although BF and occlusal contact area decreased at T1 compared with T0, they increased during retention and showed higher values at T2 than at T0. Treatment of AOB improved BF and occlusal contact area 2 years posttreatment. Orthognathic surgery and molar intrusion using orthodontic miniscrews can improve occlusal function similarly. Orthodontists can select either method depending on malocclusion severity and patient demand.