Cephalometric evaluation of open bite treatment with NiTi arch wires and anterior elastics

The aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometrically the effects of open bite treatment with NiTi arch wires and anterior elastics. The study group comprised of 17 patients who displayed a high angle skeletal pattern, along with an anterior open bite. After initial leveling, 0.016 x 0.022 inch upper accentuated-curve and lower reverse-curve arch wires were placed, with anterior elastics applied in the canine regions. Cephalometric assessment was carried out on lateral head films taken at the beginning of treatment and on average 2.8 months after open bite closure was obtained. The results of this study indicated that open bite closure had been achieved mainly by extrusion of the lower incisors and uprighting of the upper incisors. The functional occlusal plane was leveled by extrusion of lower premolars and uprighting of lower molars. Lateral cephalograms obtained from 10 patients who had been available after 1 year postretention were used to evaluate relapse changes. During the follow-up period, position of the upper and lower incisors and the inclination of the occlusal plane were maintained. However, extrusion of upper and lower molar teeth resulted in a reduction in overbite.