Craniofacial management of anterior openbite: a clinical review

: Anterior openbite (AOB) malocclusion has been regarded as a complex and challenging malocclusion to manage regarding diagnostic and treatment decisions. The aetiology of AOB is often multifactorial with a combination of anatomical (e.g., skeletal, dental, soft tissue) and habitual/functional factors. Some special anatomical/genetic conditions are also associated with AOB, including craniofacial syndromes, macroglossia, muscular weakness, and abnormal ramus and/or condylar development. Various therapeutic modalities including orthodontic and orthodontic-orthognathic surgical approaches are available and used for the correction of AOB, depending on the aetiology and severity of the malocclusion. Recent studies have evaluated the effectiveness and long-term stability of these different approaches. The aim of this clinical review is to summarize and evaluate the main treatment methods for AOB in the permanent dentition based on the latest literature. Nonsurgical approaches using ‘multiloop edgewise archwire (MEAW)’, clear aligners, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are reviewed. Orthodontic-orthognathic treatment remains the ideal approach for management of moderate to severe AOB. Detailed diagnosis and surgical treatment planning steps are described. Surgical treatment for AOB with complicated craniofacial conditions such as transverse discrepancy, macroglossia, and condylar resorption are also discussed. Retention and stability of AOB treatment is evaluated based on current literature. This clinical review hopes to provide reference for clinical decision making for AOB craniofacial management based on current research evidence.

• Publication year

  2024

• Venue

  Frontiers of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine

• Publication date

  2024-09-01

• Fields of study

  Not labeled

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.21037/fomm-23-3
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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