Retrospective Analysis of Prevalence of Anterior Open Bite in Patients Reporting to a Teaching Hospital in Chennai
Author(s): Remmiya Mary Varghese* and Azima Hanin SM
Abstract
Introduction: Anterior Open Bite (AOB) is a debilitating malocclusion that requires thorough diagnosis to ensure long-term stability and proper treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AOB in patients visiting a university teaching hospital in Chennai, India in order to assess the need for orthodontic treatment and to determine its relation to other associated features.
Material and methods: This retrospective study was conducted among patients who were diagnosed with anterior open bite in a university teaching hospital in Chennai during the period of December 2020 to May 2021. The collected data was then subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were used.
Results: Anterior open bite was frequently observed in males with 52.4% of the total population. Patients with anterior open bite had class I malocclusion prevalently with 85.1% of the total population. 89% of patients with anterior open bite had competent lips, followed by 6.8% of patients who had potentially competent lips. It was noticed that potentially competent lips were more frequent with females than in males.
Conclusion: AOB was more prevalent in males compared to females. Patients diagnosed with anterior open bite predominantly had Class I malocclusion and competent lips. Careful diagnosis and treatment plan for AOB should be done as any error in identifying the etiology may lead to a poor result. Due to the close connection between the prevalence of anterior open bite and dysfunctional problems, prevention modalities should be integrated into a national public health program. Awareness programs targeting parents should be implemented to reduce the risk of anterior open bite malocclusion.