[Passive correction of an anterior open bite related to non-nutritive sucking habits: report of a case]. / Correction passive de l'infraclusion antérieure associée une Habitude de Succion Non-Alimentaire (HSNA): rapport de cas.

ABSTRACT

The term anterior open bite refers to a vertical space between the upper and lower front teeth in maximum intercuspation. This malocclusal trait can accompany many malocclusions of the Angle's classification. Two types of anterior open bite have been described skeletal and dental open bite. The latter may have Non Nutritive Sucking Habits (NNSH) as causal factor and is deemed to aggravate without treatment. This article presents an interceptive approach based on the use of a fixed passive appliance interfering with sucking habit. It consists of a crib soldered to bands adjusted to the maxillary first permanent or temporary second molars. The device was globally well accepted by the patient and has been effective in breaking the sucking habit and subsequently in closing the bite after only 5 month. When psychological approach is not effective, a fixed deterrent device may be recommended for weaning children off nonnutritive sucking habits.