Changes in the dentition secondary to palatal crib therapy in digit-suckers: a preliminary study

This study investigated the effect of the palatal crib appliance used in the correction of open bite malocclusions secondary to fingersucking. Twelve experimental and 12 control subjects were studied for an average of 3.9 months. The sample consisted of patients who were both growing and not growing. Study models taken before and after the study period were analyzed for changes in the following dimensions: overbite, overjet, arch perimeter, arch length, and incisor angulation. Data were analyzed with student t-tests to determine statistical significance. Partial or complete closure of the open bite was achieved averaging 3.7 mm +/- 1.9 mm during the observation period in the experimental group treated with palatal crib therapy. In contrast, the control group displayed a mean bite opening of 0.4 mm +/- 0.8. These values were statistically significant at the P < 0.001 level. Open bite decreased as incisor angulation (P < 0.02), arch length (P < 0.05), and arch perimeter (P < 0.01) decreased. Overjet changes were minimal and statistically insignificant.