Cephalometric evaluation of open bite treatment with NiTi arch wires and anterior elastics

The aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometrically the effects of open bite treatment with NiTi arch wires and anterior elastics. The study group comprised of 17 patients who displayed a high angle skeletal pattern, alon g with an anterior open bite. After initial leveling, 0.016 x 0.022 inch up per accentuated-curve and lower reverse-curve arch wires were placed, with anterior elastics applied in the canine regions. Cephalometric assessment w as carried out on lateral head films taken at the beginning of treatment an d on average 2.8 months after open bite closure was obtained. The results o f this study indicated that open bite closure had been achieved mainly by e xtrusion of the tower incisors and uprighting of the upper incisors. The fu nctional occlusal plane was leveled by extrusion of lower premolars and upr ighting of lower molars, Lateral cephalograms obtained from 10 patients who had been available after 1 year postretention were used to evaluate relaps e changes. During the follow-up period, position of the upper and lower inc isors and the inclination of the occlusal plane were maintained. However, e xtrusion of upper and lower molar teeth resulted in a reduction in overbite .