Treatment of vertical problems with jaw functional orthopedics based on scientific evidence. Part 2: deep bite

Abstract

The vertical problems of the stomatognathic system that alter the overbite, either by increasing in the deep bite (DB) or decreasing in the anterior open bite (AOB), are among the great challenges of the dentofacial corrections in the treatment and the retention and stability protocols. In this paper the state of art of DB treatment with Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO) will be discussed. JFO has a unique diagnostic tool for changes in vertical growth of the face, the Articular Compass, developed by Simões. Individuals with hypodivergence and DB are, usually, difficult to treat and more difficult to stabilize the obtained results. Since 1950-decade Planas advocate that the Equiplan – a metal accessory used in functional orthopedic appliances (FOA) is efficient in deep bite treatment by levelling the occlusal plane. Promising results are found with a P = 0,00, but in aweak evidence study design based on the scientific evidence pyramid. Much of the discussion of incisor intrusion or molar extrusion to treat DB seems to be solved with the use of Equiplan, but it still has no scientific evidence, only clinical evidence. In conclusion Randomized Clinical Trials are needed to investigate the efficiency and Modus Operandi of JFO to treat DB.