Orthodontic correction of anterior open bite using skeletal anchorage: systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the scientific evidence on the short- and long-term effects of orthodontic correction of anterior open bite (AOB) using skeletal anchorage (SA). Clinical studies on the use of SA for AOB in patients with permanent dentition, or at least 12 years of age, were searched. Short- and long-term (≥2 years) outcomes were collected. Mean differences were calculated from pooled data. Twenty-four eligible articles with a total of 362 subjects were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. There was a significant increase in overbite (3.88 mm, P < 0.001) and maxillary molar intrusion (−2.15 mm, P < 0.001). The mandible showed counterclockwise rotation with anterosuperior chin movement (all P < 0.001). Long term, the decrease in overbite was 19.9% and decrease in molar intrusion was 22.9%. The decrease in the mandibular projection was 14.6% for ANB (A-point–nasion–B-point angle) and 46.2% for mandibular anteroposterior position. The overall risk of bias in the included studies was rated as moderate to high, and publication bias existed for several key variables. SA for maxillary molar intrusion effectively improved dental and skeletal outcomes, but there was a long-term decrease in overbite and maxillary molar position. The variable data quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias in investigated outcomes are limitations in interpreting the findings.