DIFFERENTIATED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT OF OPEN BITE IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Open bite is one of the complex vertical malocclusions observed in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the absence of normal vertical contact between the upper and lower teeth in a particular region of the dental arches. The development of open bite may be associated with genetic predisposition, abnormal swallowing, prolonged oral habits, tongue dysfunction, impaired nasal breathing, and disturbances in the growth of the jaws. Early diagnosis and differentiated orthodontic treatment are important because the therapeutic approach should correspond to the child's age, stage of dental development, type of open bite, severity of the anomaly, and functional disorders. Uzbek orthodontic studies have emphasized the importance of modern clinical, biometric, radiological, and cephalometric examination in the diagnosis of open bite. Treatment may include elimination of harmful oral habits, myofunctional exercises, removable orthodontic appliances, expansion plates, fixed appliances, and individualized biomechanical approaches. A differentiated treatment strategy allows the orthodontist to address not only the dental manifestations of open bite but also the functional factors contributing to its development and recurrence. Early intervention during the period of active growth may improve occlusal relationships, masticatory function, speech, and facial development.