Abstract

ACUNA DAVALOS, Gloria Eréndira; BALLESTEROS LOZANO, Mauricio  and  OROPEZA SOSA, Guillermo. Cephalometric description of facial patterns in skeletal open bite. Rev. Odont. Mex [online]. 2013, vol.17, n.1, pp.15-19. ISSN 1870-199X.

Different open bite indicators have been described in scientific literature. However, to attain proper and stable treatment it is important to be able to identify the etiology of the malocclusion. Facial patterns are directly related to growth direction, and therefore to the vertical behavior of bone bases. They embody a crucial factor for open bite expression. Description of facial pattern through cephalometric measurements supplies information of affected bone structures, providing thus an easier treatment. The aim of the present study was, using Bimler facial formula, to identify bone structures involved in open bite cases. Facial pattern was determined through upper basal angle, lower basal angle and suborbital facial index. The study encompassed 40 lateral skull x-rays taken from patients attending the Orthodontics clinic at the Graduate School, National School of Dentistry, National University of Mexico, within the 2004-2006 period. Patients had received diagnosis of skeletal open bite. This diagnosis was emitted with the help of open bite cephalometric indicators. Dominant facial pattern in skeletal open bite was leptoprosopic. Six different relationships were found among upper and lower basal angles. Maximum open bite relation was 27.5% with both jaws involved, followed by 40% (M/L) with less severity, 5% (L/L) with greater compensation, 5% (D/M) and m/ML with 2.5%.

Keywords : Open bite; facial pattern; cephalometry; malocclusion.

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