Treatment of deep bite with bite plate: a case report Relato de caso de tratamento de sobremordida com placa de mordida

Certain aspects of malocclusion, particularly deep bite, can be related to periodontal pathology and the healthy of temporomandibular joints (TMJ). In orthodontics, deep bite has always been considered as a difficult anomaly to correct, but also as the one most hindering to solving the problems resulting from other associated malpositions. A case report of deep bite and crossed bite of permanent upper left lateral incisor in a Class I malocclusion and permanent dentition illustrates the principles of case management. The reduction of deep bite using bite plate (Equi-Plan) showed quick and short time in permanent dentition (within 4 months). The mesofacial type of the patient favored the fast treatment of the deep bite, in the same way that a dolicofacial type also is favorable because of the facial vertical growth pattern. In contrast, the braquifacial type demands greater time to treat the deep bite.