Surgical vs nonsurgical treatments in patients with anterior open-bite have similar effects in occlusal function: A 2-year follow-up study

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate changes in bite force (BF) and occlusal contact area after anterior open-bite (AOB) treatment and compare the changes in surgical vs nonsurgical treatment. Methods: This retro-spective study included patients with AOB compared with normal occlusion. AOB was corrected by either intrusion of the maxillary molars (intrusion group, n = 19) or orthognathic surgery (surgery group, n = 37). The control group (n = 35) had a normal overbite relationship. Records of lateral cephalograms, BF, and occlusal contact area taken before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 2 years after (T2) orthodontic treatment were compared within and among the 3 groups. Results: The open-bite group, including intrusion and surgery groups, had a lower BF and less occlusal contact area than the control group at T0 and T1 (P \0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups at T2 (P >0.05). The intrusion and surgery groups showed no significant differences throughout the observation period extending from T0 to T2 (P >0.05). Although BF and occlusal contact area decreased at T1 compared with T0, they increased during retention and showed higher values at T2 than at T0. Conclusions: Treatment of AOB improved BF and occlusal contact area 2 years posttreatment. Orthognathic surgery and molar intrusion using orthodontic miniscrews can improve occlusal function similarly. Orthodontists can select either method depending on malocclusion severity and patient demand. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2024;165:38-45)