[Open-bite closure by intruding maxillary molars with skeletal anchorage].

Most anterior open bite cases are characterized by the excessive vertical development of the posterior maxilla. Intrusion of the overerupted molar teeth with traditional orthodontic methods is hardly possible; therefore, there is no real alternative to a combined orthodontic and surgical approach. Skeletal anchorage has recently been offered for the orthodontic movement of teeth. Titanium miniplates implanted in the zygomatic buttress area can serve as absolute anchorage for maxillary molar intrusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate skeletal anchorage for closing open-bite malocclusions. Seven patients with severe anterior open-bites were selected. In all cases the deformity was due to the overeruption of the maxillary molars. Titanium miniplates were inserted bilaterally in the zygomatic buttress region. Fixation was performed with 3 miniscrews. Elastic bands or coil springs were used to reduce excessive maxillary molar heights. The mean active treatment time was 6 months. In all cases the anterior open-bite significantly improved. No side-effects were observed. Our results suggest that skeletal anchor plates offer successful treatment for closing skeletal anterior open bites.