Changes in Incisors Position Following Tongue-training Therapy Using Bonded Shark-tooth-like Spurs in Adult Anterior Open Bite

Introduction: Anterior open bite (AOB) correction is one of the most challenging malocclusion to manage because of the high chances of relapse. Although the cause of AOB is multifactorial, tongue dysfunction plays an important role in the features of the malocclusion. Therefore, correction of the tongue position and function results in stable outcomes. Recently, Bonded Shark-Tooth-like Spurs (JAWs) have been introduced for the treatment of AOB patients. Aim of Study: To evaluate the dentoalveolar effects of the central incisors following tongue-training therapy using JAWs in adult patients with AOB. Materials and Methods: 3D digital dental casts of twenty-one adult patients (mean age 23.05 4.8 years) diagnosed with AOB with severe tongue thrust habits were collected during initial examination (TO) and one month after using JAWs (T1) for tongue-training. A retrospective study was conducted to measure changes in tooth position at the incisal edges of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors using superimposed 3D digital dental casts. The amount of tooth displacement (Total change, T; Vertical, V; Anteroposterior, AP) was analysed using the T-test. The size of the JAWs and the amount of tooth displacement were compared using Pearson's correlation. Results: The measurements revealed that there was tooth displacement in V and AP direction. The amount of tooth displacement in V and AP directions were 0.18 ± 0.03 mm and 0.23 ± 0.04 mm respectively. The amount of tooth displacement in the mandibular incisors was significantly greater than that of the maxillary incisors. There was a moderate positive correlation between size of the JAWs and tooth displacement. Discussion and Conclusion: The use of JAWs is an effective therapy in adult patients with tongue-induced AOB. Correction of tongue position and function can induce dental changes in adult. The size of JAWs is one of the factors that correlated with tongue adaptation. Keywords: Tongue thrust, open bite, 3D digital dental models