Initial intrusion of the molars in the treatment of anterior open bite malocclusions in growing patients.

The treatment of the hyperdivergent phenotype and/or anterior openbite is one of the common problems facing orthodontists. The purpose of this study is to present a new appliance (Molar Intruder) for molar intrusion and to determine its effects in the treatment of anterior openbite. The study group comprised 14 patients (eight girls and six boys), with a mean age of 10 years and 7 months. All presented anterior open bite malocclusions between the second premolars. The study was carried out on lateral head films taken before (T1) and after (T2) molar intrusion. Periapical radiographs, study models, and standard photographs of all the patients were also obtained before and after molar intrusion. The paired sample t-test was used to determine the differences between the parameters. The average treatment time with the Molar Intruder was five months. The mean intrusion of maxillary and mandibular molars was 1.86 mm and 1.04 mm, respectively. Maxillary incisors extruded 0.54 mm with a labial tipping of 1.46 degrees and overbite increased by 4.00 mm. The mandibular plane angle was decreased by 1.57 degrees, and the anterior face height was decreased by 1.86 mm on average. The mandible showed a counterclockwise rotation, the chin moved forward, and the posterior facial height/anterior facial height ratio was increased. Anterior openbites of the patients were significantly rehabilitated at the end of the intrusion period, simplifying further orthodontic treatment.