Algorithm for the differential diagnosis of posterior open bites: two illustrative cases.

PURPOSE

Posterior open bites can result from several causes: trauma, degenerative changes, tongue thrust habits, single-tooth ankylosis, multiple-tooth ankylosis, and/or condylar hyperplasia. Occasionally, posterior open bites are secondary to a combination of condylar hyperplasia and dental ankylosis, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat because of the large array of causative problems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article presents 2 unusual cases of posterior open bite secondary to multiple etiologies in adolescent male patients. A useful method of algorithmic diagnosis, treatment, and protocol is presented that was used for these cases.

RESULTS

The 2 cases were successfully diagnosed and treated using the formulated algorithm for posterior open bites.

CONCLUSIONS

The algorithms presented facilitate the differential diagnosis of posterior open bites with ambiguous etiology.