Cephalometric evaluation of deep overbite correction using anterior bite turbos.

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of treating deep overbite (OB) using anterior bite elevators concurrently with a pre-adjusted edgewise appliance.

Materials and methods: The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) cephalometric analysis was used to isolate tipping movement of upper (TUI) and lower incisors (TLI), bodily tooth movement of upper (BUI), and lower incisors (BLI), as well as vertical skeletal changes in the anterior region of the maxilla (MXSK) and mandible (MNSK). Thirty treated subjects were examined at pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) and compared to an untreated control group matched on age, sex, and Angle malocclusion from the Bolton Brush Growth Study Collection (CWRU, Cleveland, Ohio).

Results: Overbite (OB) in the treated group was decreased significantly (P < .001) (-5.6 mm) compared to controls. Statistically significant (P < .001) changes were found for BUI (-0.7 mm), TUI (0.9 mm), TLI (-1.4 mm), BLI (-1.1 mm), and MNSK (-1.6 mm). Most of the overbite correction was in the lower arch and included tipping and intrusion of the lower incisors along with an increase in lower vertical facial height.

Conclusions: Deep OB correction was achieved efficiently using anterior bite elevators with pre-adjusted edgewise appliance. Correction using bite turbos would be a treatment option for individuals presenting with decreased lower facial height and deep bite.