An Open-bite Case Treated with Upper Second Molar Extraction

Abstract

Molar extraction, tongue habit and fi nger sucking etc. are frequently the cause of openbite. Generally, open-bite caused temporarily in the second molar eruption period would be improved by the force of biting. The patient, a 15-year-4-month-old female, came in with the chief complaint being the inability to chew food. At the age of 13, she had presented with TMJ pain and TMJ sounds, and a splint was used to improve those TMJ symptoms. Though the TMJ symptoms were alleviated, total open-bite appeared everywhere except the second molar, and so she consulted an orthodontic clinic. Orthodontic treatment involved the extraction of the upper second molar on both sides, and the use of multi-bracket devices to improve open-bite in a short period.