Articular compass: the location of frontal accessories of bioelastic appliances

In long face syndrome with skeletal open bite, strongly associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), the trajectories of an incisal point are completely different. It was demonstrated by a longitudinal study that, in these cases, the Articular Compass cephalometric analysis is helpful in the construction of bioelastic appliances to provide a better location for frontal accessories, and thereby in most cases, also provide better anchorage with proper tongue and mandible position. The Articular Compass Analysis is valid in the early diagnosis. The odds ratio of success using the Articular Compass Analysis presents a confidence rate of 95%. Moreover, it was detected that subjects by the age of six with open bite, gonial angle equal to or greater than 135 degrees, with Nasion-Gonion-Menton equal to or greater than 76 degrees are risky cases for surgical treatment. These parameters are an indication of progressive problems which, with time, can reach severe levels which involve the cervical or even the lumbar spine.