Date of Award

9-25-2020

Department

Department of Orthodontics

First Advisor

Heesoo Oh

First Committee Member

Jorook Park

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment of anterior open bite can result in a counter-clockwise rotation of the mandible and a more ideal forward position of the tongue. Usually this movement is thought to increase the oropharyngeal airway. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in vertical dimension and airway in AOB patients following orthodontic treatment. Methods: 52 subjects were included in this retrospective study of anterior open bite malocclusion treated in the graduate orthodontics clinic at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry between 2006 – 2019. Cephalometric and airway measurements were done by 2 judges. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate inter-judge reliability for evaluating airway volume and MCA measurements. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare mean differences and paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment changes. Results: More vertical control and intrusion of molars was seen in non-growing (NG) subjects. There was more successful open bite correction in NG subjects. Even though there was a reduction in FMA, LFA, improved incisor position and open bite correction, there was not much influence on airway dimensions. There was no statistically significant change in airway in growing (G) and NG subjects when looking at the whole sample. Conclusion: With correction of an anterior open; intrusion of molars and a more forward mandibular position result. However, these changes did not result in an increase in oropharyngeal airway in our study.

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