Orthodontic management of an originally surgically planned treatment of an open bite: a case report.

The treatment of open bite malocclusion is generally considered a challenge due to its multifactorial etiology. Many treatment modalities to correct open bites, including orthognathic surgery and dental compensation, have been proposed. Dental compensation (intruding the posterior teeth and uprighting and extruding the anterior teeth with elastics) is a treatment option for borderline patients and those who are reluctant to undergo surgery. This report documents the treatment of a patient with a severe skeletal open bite malocclusion whose treatment plan originally included fixed appliance therapy as well as orthognathic surgery. He was subsequently treated with only fixed appliances. The patient, a male 17 years, 7 months of age, presented with a Class II, Division 1 malocclusion, 5 mm anterior open bite, and an increased anterior facial height. He was treated with extraction of the maxillary and mandibular premolars, full fixed appliances, and anterior vertical elastics. After 30 months of active treatment, a Class I occlusion with improved overjet and overbite was achieved.