Incisor root length in individuals with and without anterior open bite: a comparative CBCT study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Radiology

Background:

• Open bite is a malocclusion characterized by a lack of vertical overlap between anterior teeth.
• Root length can influence orthodontic treatment outcomes and stability.
• Understanding root morphology in different malocclusions is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the root length of maxillary and mandibular incisors in individuals with open bite versus those with adequate overbite.
• To identify potential differences in incisor root morphology associated with open bite malocclusion.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, comparative, and matched study using cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs).
• 24 individuals with open bite and 24 matched controls with adequate overbite were included.
• Root lengths of all incisors were measured, and statistical analyses (t-tests, Pearson correlation) were performed.

Main Results:

• Maxillary central and lateral incisor root lengths were similar between open bite and control groups.
• Mandibular central incisor root lengths were also comparable between the two groups.
• Mandibular lateral incisor roots were significantly longer (approx. 1 mm) in the open bite group compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary incisor root length and mandibular central incisor root length do not differ significantly between individuals with and without open bite.
• Mandibular lateral incisors exhibit significantly greater root length in individuals with open bite.
• These findings may have implications for understanding the biomechanics and stability of open bite malocclusions.