Anterior Open Bite and Its Challenges in Untreated Orthodontic Patients in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Anterior open bite (AOB) is a challenging orthodontic problem which affects the anterior vertical dimension of the face and  dentition. Patients with this problem present with challenges which this study aims to determine. The objective of this study is to identify  the problems associated with AOB in untreated orthodontic patients in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methods: A total number of 165 untreated orthodontic patients who presented to the clinic were evaluated using the vertical dimension  of the occlusion (the Overbite). Four (4) groups were identified namely: Normal Overbite (served as the control group), Incomplete  overbite, Anterior Open Bite and Deep Overbite. AOB was determined as an actual vertical gap between the upper and lower incisors  with the teeth in centric occlusion. The challenges were identified. Statistical analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 21.0. The student t-  test, was used to determine the relationship between variables, frequencies for variables were determined and cross tabulations  between variables established. P values at <0.05 were set as significant.

Results: The prevalence of AOB in this study was 66(40%). Normal overbite was seen in 46(27.9%) of the study population, Incomplete overbite in 44(26.7%) and deep overbite in 9(5.4%). The actual vertical gap (AOB) when measured ranged from 1-7mm (SD±1.55mm). The  most prevalent AOB value was 4mm and was seen in 28(42.5%). The 21-30-year-old age group had the highest number with AOB in  38(57.6%). Four challenges were identified and included the inability to bite with the anterior teeth (IAB), speech disturbances (SPD),  tongue thrusting (TT) and TMJ problems (TMJP). Most of the patients with AOB had a combination of two challenges (IAB+SPD) in  37(30.9%), 28(17.0%) had a combination of three challenges (IAB+SPD+TT) and only one, 1(0.6%) all four challenges (IAB+SPD+TT+TMJP).  Those with normal overbite, incomplete overbite and deep overbite had no challenge. Significant values were seen between the age of  the patients and AOB challenges, p<0.05 and highly significant values between the AOB value and the overbite and AOB challenge.   

Conclusion: AOB challenges were identified in this study. The larger the AOB value, the greater the challenge.