Dimensional changes of dental arches produced by fixed and removable palatal cribs: A prospective, randomized, controlled study

Objective: To evaluate the dimensional changes of dental arches on digital models of open bite treatment with fixed and removable palatal cribs. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 41 patients of both sexes who were white, aged 7–10 years, and who had mixed dentition, Angle Class I molar relationship, and a negative overbite of at least 1 mm. The sample was randomly divided into two groups: G1, fixed palatal crib; and G2, removable palatal crib. Cast models, obtained initially (T1) and after 1 year of treatment (T2), were scanned by a three-dimensional (3D) scanner, 3Shape R700, producing a 3D image. Measurements were performed by a calibrated examiner using OrthoAnalyzer™ 3D software. Results: At T2–T1, differences were observed between the groups regarding vertical dentoalveolar development and overjet. There was more mandibular incisor extrusion for G1 (−1.66 mm) than for G2 (−0.54 mm). An overjet increase was observed in G1 (0.56 mm), in contrast to a reduction in G2 (−0.40 mm). There was a similar overbite increase for both groups (3.51 mm for fixed palatal crib and 3.88 mm for removable palatal crib). Conclusions: Both the treatment protocols are similarly effective for anterior open bite correction, providing an overbite increase with dentoalveolar arch changes, especially in the anterior region.