Dimensional changes of dental arches produced by fixed and removable palatal cribs: A prospective, randomized, controlled study

To evaluate the dimensional changes of dental arches on digital models of open bite treatment with fixed and removable palatal cribs.

The sample comprised 41 patients of both sexes who were white, aged 7-10 years, and who had mixed dentition, Angle Class I molar relationship, and a negative overbite of at least 1 mm. The sample was randomly divided into two groups: G1, fixed palatal crib; and G2, removable palatal crib. Cast models, obtained initially (T1) and after 1 year of treatment (T2), were scanned by a three-dimensional (3D) scanner, 3Shape R700, producing a 3D image. Measurements were performed by a calibrated examiner using OrthoAnalyzer™ 3D software.

At T2-T1, differences were observed between the groups regarding vertical dentoalveolar development and overjet. There was more mandibular incisor extrusion for G1 (-1.66 mm) than for G2 (-0.54 mm). An overjet increase was observed in G1 (0.56 mm), in contrast to a reduction in G2 (-0.40 mm). There was a similar overbite increase for both groups (3.51 mm for fixed palatal crib and 3.88 mm for removable palatal crib).

Both the treatment protocols are similarly effective for anterior open bite correction, providing an overbite increase with dentoalveolar arch changes, especially in the anterior region.