Comparisons of two protocols for early treatment of anterior open bite

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of the treatment with the quadhelix/ crib (Q-H/C) appliance with those of a combination of transpalatal arch, high-pull headgear, and lip bumper (TPA/HG/LB) in growing patients with anterior open bite malocclusion.Methods: The TPA/HG/LB sample consisted of 22 subjects, 16 girls and 6 boys (mean age 7.5 +/- 1.4 years at the start of treatment, T1, and 8.7 +/- 1.5 years at the end of active treatment, T2). The Q-H/C sample consisted of 28 subjects, 17 girls and 11 boys (mean age 8.2 +/- 1.3 years at T1, and 8.7 +/- 1.6 years at T2). Both treated groups were compared with a control group of 20 untreated subjects matched for dentoskeletal disharmony and observation interval. The changes from T2 to T1 between the three groups were compared with the analysis of variance.Results: Both TPA/HG/LB and Q-H/C groups exhibited greater reduction of the palatal plane to mandibular plane angle (-1.7 degrees and -1.9 degrees, respectively) and a significantly greater increase in overbite (2.2 and 2.3 mm, respectively) with respect to controls.Conclusions: Q-H/C and TPA/HG/LB protocols were equally effective in correcting the anterior open bite.