Gulossectomy and Skeletal Anchorage as Aajuncts to Orthodontic Correction of a Severe Open Bite Case.

Abstract

Etiology of open bite malocclusion is multifactorial; therefore, elimination of the main etiologic factor is the key for successful treatment. Tongue size and posture can cause open bite; thus, glossectomy is one of the treatment choices in severe cases. A 19 year old girl with a chief complaint of extra-large tongue and anterior open bite due to hemangioma was referred to us. Hemangioma removal and partial glossectomy were performed. With no other intervention, the anterior open bite decreased 10 millimeters within 3 years. Since the patient refused orthognathic surgery, the remaining malocclusion was resolved by orthodontic treatment using skeletal anchorage.