Orthodontic treatment of open bite involved in diffuse hypercementosis: A case report

Background: Open bite is considered one of the most complicated malocclusions in orthodontic treatment. In this study, the authors successfully treated total open bite involved in hypercementosis using orthodontic miniscrews.

Case description: A woman aged 25 years 8 months had total open bite. Her occlusal contact at the maximum intercuspation was present at the right second molars. A panoramic radiograph showed diffuse hypercementosis. The titanium miniscrews were interradicullay implanted between the first and second molars, and intrusion force was applied for 14 months. After active treatment, the patient's maxillary first molars showed about 1.6-millimeters of intrusion, resulting in counterclockwise mandibular rotation. Her acceptable occlusion was maintained after 1.0-year retention.

Practical implications: Miniscrews might be useful tool to improve malocclusion involved in diffuse hypercementosis though they are considered to be difficult to move and brought on ankylosis.