Article:

Open bite malocculusion is considered to be one of the most difficult problems to treat. The causes of the open bite are multifactorial, wich can develop form genetic and/or environmental factors. Open bite is generally classified in two categories: skeletal and dental. The diagnosis is important due to different treatment approaches. Patients with open bite malocclusion can be diagnosed clinically and cephalometrically. Complex open bites that extend farther into the premolar and molar regions, and those that do not resolve by the end of the mixed dentition years may require orthodontic and/or surgical intervention. Vertical malocclusion develops as a result of the interaction of many different etiologic factors including thumb and finger sucking, lip and tongue habits, airway obstruction, and true skeletal growth abnormalities. Treatment for open bite ranges from observation or simple habit control to complex surgical procedures. Successful identification of the etiology improves the chances of treatment success.