The nature of arch width difference and palatal depth of the anterior open bite.

ABSTRACT

Measurements were made of study casts of patients with anterior open bite to compare the width of maxillary and mandibular arches and the depth of the palate. This study was designed to (1) explore the nature of the arch width difference for patients with anterior open bite, whether dental or skeletal in nature, and (2) clarify the general impression of "high" palatal vaults for anterior open bite cases, to make sure if there are "absolutely high" or "relatively high" palatal vaults. Measurements in male and female patients with open bite malocclusions were analyzed and compared with those in male and female patients with normal occlusions. Similar trends were found for both sexes. Skeletally narrowed maxillary posterior width and dentally widened mandibular posterior widths were found. Palatal depth was in the normal range in the patients with anterior open bite. Orthopedic widening of the maxillae and inclining of the mandibular posterior teeth lingually are recommended when orthodontic treatment is to be rendered to patients with anterior open bite.