[Preliminary investigation of orthodontic treatment in compliance with dentofacial development in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and open bite].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the biologic principle of orthodontic treatment in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and open bite.

METHODS

Eleven pre-adolescent patients with severe skeletal Class III malocclusion and open bite (age range 7 - 9 years old, mean age 8.3 +/- 0.8) were included. All patients were surgical cases but the patients rejected surgery. The treatment methods used were face mask, rapid maxillary expansion occlusal splint and fixed appliance. Lateral cephalometric films were taken before and after treatment. Cephalometric analysis was performed.

RESULTS

After the treatment SNA changed from (79.0 +/- 1.2) degrees to (81.9 +/- 0.8) degrees (P < 0.01). And the inclination of lower incisors was decreased from (25.6 +/- 2.1) degrees to (20.1 +/- 1.4) degrees when measured to the NB line (P < 0.01). The direction of the facial growth was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Good orthodontic results could be achieved in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and open bite.