Introduction
The etiology of an anterior open bite (AOB) is multifactorial in nature.
Unfavorable growth patterns, oral habits, respiratory factors, and
neuromuscular imbalances have been suggested to play a role. AOB results
in significant esthetic and functional concerns often, including
difficulties with breathing, chewing and speaking.1The treatment outcome should improve both: esthetic and function.
Finally resulting in satisfaction; as evaluated in national dental
practice-based research from the United States.2
The scope of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) has greatly increased over the
past decade or so from treating merely a mild to moderate crowding to a
well-controlled sophisticated therapeutic solution for complex
malocclusions too. Though scholarly evidence for the system is still in
infancy, 3,4 published case reports have showcased
extremely encouraging outcomes with complex
cases.5,6These cases report novelties in the
literature such as those involving extractions, open bites, cross bites,
and class II malocclusions. The fact that patients undergoing CAT
demonstrate better quality of life (QoL) scores during treatment helps
the practitioner to imbibe such treatment for their patients - also to
tackle challenging cases.7,8
Recent clinical literature has demonstrated how an AOB can be
efficiently addressed with posterior intrusion accompanied by retraction
of incisors using CAT, both with and without
adjuncts.9
This article describes three cases with an AOB, which have been treated
with different mechanics as mandated by the malocclusion. Case 1 was
treated with CAT entirely with judicious use of attachment geometry and
mechanics, case 2 was treated with CAT, attachment geometry selection
and vertical elastics, finally case 3 was treated with CAT, attachments
and temporary anchorage devices.