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Emergency Medicine125 papers

Open bite

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Open bite is a malocclusion characterized by the absence of vertical overlap between the upper and lower incisors, affecting both function and aesthetics 1.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Identification of lack of vertical overlap between maxillary and mandibular incisors 1.
  • Recommended Tests: Cephalometric analysis and facial analysis to differentiate and assess the severity of open bite syndrome 1.
  • Grading: Utilize cephalometric measurements to grade the severity of the open bite 1.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Oral myofunctional therapy aimed at correcting muscle function and habits contributing to open bite 1.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Custom bite mark impressions using improved techniques for accurate documentation and treatment planning 3.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early intervention with myofunctional exercises may be crucial for correcting developing open bites 1.
  • Comorbidities: No specific guidance provided in the abstracts regarding comorbidities; focus remains on etiological factors and myofunctional therapy 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize cephalometrics and facial analysis for accurate diagnosis and grading of open bite severity (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Implement oral myofunctional therapy as a primary intervention to address muscle function issues contributing to open bite (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Employ advanced techniques for bite mark impressions to enhance clinical assessment and treatment planning (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • References

    1 Seminara R, Seminara G. Cephalometrics and oral myofunctional impairment. The New York state dental journal 1994. link 2 Sperber ND. Lingual markings of anterior teeth as seen in human bite marks. Journal of forensic sciences 1990. link 3 Dailey JC, Shernoff AF, Gelles JH. An improved technique for bite mark impressions. The Journal of prosthetic dentistry 1989. link90364-8) 4 Newlands G, Martindale CB. Wandering spider bite--much ado about nothing. South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde 1981. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Cephalometrics and oral myofunctional impairment.Seminara R, Seminara G The New York state dental journal (1994)
    2. [2]
      Lingual markings of anterior teeth as seen in human bite marks.Sperber ND Journal of forensic sciences (1990)
    3. [3]
      An improved technique for bite mark impressions.Dailey JC, Shernoff AF, Gelles JH The Journal of prosthetic dentistry (1989)
    4. [4]
      Wandering spider bite--much ado about nothing.Newlands G, Martindale CB South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde (1981)

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