Long Term Stability of Open Bite Treatment with Spur Therapy

The high relapse incidence of anterior open-bite malocclusion is frequently due to an anterior tongue rest posture. A maxillary fixed intraoral appliance with spurs is recommended to modify tongue posture. Research with this appliance in a large sample of anterior open-bite patients demonstrated long-term stability post-retention.
You will learn why:
• Long-term stability of open bite closure is no better than 80%.
• Myofunctional therapy with oral exercises is ineffective in closing open-bites.
• TADs used for anterior open-bite closure might not have a stable outcome.
• Fixed intraoral spurs are recommended to establish a normal tongue rest posture (a new engram).
• Spurs modify tongue posture and also interrupt digit-sucking habits
• The anterior open bite closes with spurs, without using brackets/wires.
• Long-term stability post-retention is achieved when spurs are used.
• Spurs are indicated/contraindicated.
• Early correction of open bite protects roots from resorbing.
• Intraoral spurs do not provoke psychological problems.
You will learn the:
• Risk factors for anterior open-bite.
• In-office construction of the spur appliance.