Pattern of maxillary constriction in children with anterior open bite: a three-dimensional digital model study
Maxillary constriction; Open bite; Malocclusion.
Introduction: Children with anterior open bite (AOB) frequently present with maxillary constriction (MC). However, it remains unclear whether the pattern of maxillary constriction in children with AOB differs from that observed in individuals without this vertical malocclusion. Objective: To evaluate, using three-dimensional digital dental models, the pattern of maxillary constriction in children with anterior open bite during the mixed dentition stage. Materials and Methods: This observational, analytical, cross-sectional study included 87 pretreatment three-dimensional digital models of the maxillary dental arch. The sample comprised children of both sexes, aged 6 to 12 years, in the mixed dentition stage, with fully erupted permanent maxillary incisors, maxillary canines, and permanent first molars. Participants were equally allocated into three groups: children with maxillary constriction associated with anterior open bite, children with maxillary constriction without anterior open bite, and a control group. The digital models were randomized, coded, and analyzed using MeshLab® software. The maxillary arch form, arch length, total and anterior arch perimeters, and transverse dimensions were assessed by measuring the intercanine, interdeciduous molar/interpremolar, and intermolar widths. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi® software. Parametric tests were applied, and the significance level was set at 5%. Results: Maxillary constriction was primarily associated with reduced transverse dimensions of the maxillary arch, whereas longitudinal dimensions remained comparable among the groups. The concomitant presence of anterior open bite did not result in additional morphological changes when compared with isolated maxillary constriction, indicating that transverse deficiency is the predominant morphological characteristic. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and careful assessment of the transverse dimension of the maxillary arch to support appropriate planning of interceptive orthodontic treatment.