Abordagens preventivas e interceptativas no tratamento da mordida aberta anterior nas dentaduras decídua e mista

Abstract

Anterior open bite (AOB) is a malocclusion characterized by the absence of vertical contact between the incisal edges of the upper and lower anterior teeth. Its etiology is multifactorial and complex. Several factors have been associated, including non-nutritive sucking habits, anterior resting tongue posture, macroglossy, upper airway obstruction, predominant mouth breathing, hypertrophic tonsils and adenoids, neurological disorders, muscular dystrophy, internal temporomandibular joint disorders and growth abnormalities. The prevalence of AOB (2.5% to 35%) is higher in deciduous dentures and tends to decrease with advancing age. The present work is a literature review, based on the textbooks and articles of scientific journals from Scielo, Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs and Google Scholar databases, on the etiology, diagnosis and preventive and interceptive approaches in the treatment of AOB in deciduous and mixed dentures. The terms used in the search were child, malocclusion, anterior open bite and treatment. With due the etiology is largely associated with oral habits, preventive treatment should be based on the removal of habit at an early age, which may favor the spontaneous correction of the AOB. A nonpunitive approach can prevent negative psychological impact on the child who still depends on the habit. Many types of mechanics have been used in the treatment of open bite, especially the 'roller appliance' devices. Proper diagnosis and etiology determination are always the best tools for defining the goals and the ideal individualized treatment plan for such malocclusion.