Sucking habits and facial hyperdivergency as risk factors for anterior open bite in the mixed dentition

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate sucking habits and hyperdivergency as risk factors for anterior open bite in mixed-dentition subjects. Methods: Anamnestic and pretreatment cephalometric records of 1710 mixed-dentition subjects were assessed for sucking habits, dental open bite, and facial hyperdivergency. Results: The rate of anterior open bite was 17.7%. Multiple logistic regression showed that both prolonged sucking habits and hyperdivergent vertical relationships significantly increased the probability of an anterior dentoalveolar open bite, with a prevalence rate of 36.3%. This was 4 times the prevalence of sucking habits and facial hyperdivergency in subjects without anterior open bite (9.1%). Conclusions: Prolonged sucking habits and hyperdivergent facial characteristics are significant risk factors for anterior open bite in the mixed dentition. Copyright © 2005 by the American Association of Orthodontists.