MedTrace Logo

Treatment of Skeletal Open Bite With Open Bite Activator and Skeletal Anchorage-Supported Vertical Elastics

NCT06936371 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 24

Last updated 2025-04-20

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study evaluated a new treatment approach for skeletal open bite in growing individuals using an open bite activator combined with anterior skeletal anchorage-supported vertical elastics. An open bite is a condition where the front teeth don't touch when the back teeth are closed together, creating a gap. Traditional treatments often use extraoral appliances (devices worn outside the mouth), which can be uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing, leading to poor patient compliance.

We included 24 growing patients (14 females, 10 males) aged 12-14 years with skeletal open bite. All participants received an open bite activator (a removable functional appliance) and mini-screws placed between the upper and lower lateral and canine teeth. Vertical elastics were connected between these mini-screws, applying 150g of force for 20-22 hours daily over 12 months.

Lateral cephalometric radiographs (specialized X-rays) were taken before treatment and after 12 months to evaluate changes in facial bone structure and tooth positions. Our results showed successful correction of open bite with an average increase in overbite of 3.35mm. We observed favorable skeletal changes including clockwise rotation of the maxilla (upper jaw), counterclockwise rotation of the mandible (lower jaw), and decreased vertical facial dimensions.

This treatment approach offers a viable alternative to conventional methods that rely on extraoral appliances, potentially improving patient comfort and compliance. The protocol successfully addresses both skeletal and dental components of open bite malocclusion in growing patients.

Conditions

  • Skeletal Open Bite
  • Vertical Maxillary Excess
  • Hyperdivergent Growth Pattern
  • Long Face Syndrome

Interventions

DEVICE

Open Bite Activator with Skeletal Anchorage-Supported Vertical Elastics

Participants received a removable open bite activator constructed with the mandible opened beyond the freeway space and combined with vertical intermaxillary elastics applying 150g of force, supported by mini-screws placed between the lateral and canine teeth in both the maxilla and mandible. The appliance was worn 20-22 hours daily for 12 months. This approach aimed to treat skeletal open bite without using extraoral appliances by promoting anterior mandibular rotation and inhibiting posterior vertical dentoalveolar development.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ankara University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Elif Değirmenci, DDS, PhD · Ankara University

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
12 Years
Max Age
14 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-03-01
Primary Completion
2025-03-01
Completion
2025-03-01

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06936371 on ClinicalTrials.gov