Anterior open bite with temporomandibular disorders treated with intermaxillary traction using skeletal anchorage system

Objectives: The anterior open bite with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is one of the most challenging cases both orthodontically and surgically. We introduce an intermaxillary traction treatment for patients with anterior open bite and TMD using a skeletal anchorage system (SAS). Materials and Methods: This study was comprised of 52 patients with anterior open bite and TMD. A total of four mini-screws were inserted, two screws each into the maxilla and mandible, to obtain a class II pattern of elastic application with 120-200 g force. Adjunctive muscle relaxation treatments, such as splint therapy, medication, and botulinum toxin injection were applied during or before intermaxillary traction. At least one treatment among adjunctive muscle relaxation treatment, mentioned above, was applied to 96.2% of patients. We evaluated the clinical characteristics of patients, TMD symptom changes, amount of open bite improved. The degree of open bite improvement was compared between the open bitereduced group (21 patients) and not-reduced group (5 patients). Results: TMD symptoms (muscle/joint pain, joint sound, mouth opening) remained or improved in most patients, and worsened in about 10% of patients for each items. Anterior open bite was improved by a mean of 1.75 mm (P<0.01) during treatment. The open bite-reduced group exhibited a significant open bite improvement compared to the not-reduced group (P<0.05), with 37% of open bite improvement occurring during the first 3 months of treatment. Conclusion: The intermaxillary traction technique using SAS is a valid modality for correction of anterior open bite and improvement of TMD symptoms.