Anterior open bite, clinical-epidemiological characteristics and treatment in children

Introduction: the anterior open bite is defined as a malocclusion characterized by the deviation in the vertical relation of the maxilla and mandible of the anterior sector, identified by a lack of contact between opposite segments. Objective: update knowledge regarding anterior open bite. Method: a bibliographic review was conducted on the subject, based on indexed Pubmed, LILACS, SciELO, HINARI, as well as review of theses and texts. Results: the prevalence of anterior open bite is close to 15 % in children; it decreases with age and varies depending on the populations studied. It is classified as dental or skeletal, with different clinical and radiographic characteristics. It can be self-correcting with growth. The orthodontic treatment can be performed through removable intraoral appliances or the combination of extra oral and functional appliances. Myofunctional therapy plays a relevant role, both in patients treated with functional orthopedics and in dentoalveolar variants in which it is frequently used as the only treatment option. The suppression of deleterious oral habits and para-functions is essential for success. Conclusions: anterior open bite is a frequent malocclusion in childhood, associated with deleterious habits and parafunctions, often self-corrected and treatable with myofunctional therapy and/or functional orthopedics.