The use of bonded acrylic expander in patient with open-bite and oral breathing.

AIM To show the use of an acrylic expander in the treatment of anterior open bite in patient with maxillary constriction and respiratory concern. Study design Clinical report. Setting "Fatebenefratelli" Hospital (Italy). MATERIAL AND METHOD The open bite treatment represents a challenge for orthodontists because it is determined by several complementary factors such as: adenoid reduction, tongue posture, maxillary constriction etc. In order to correct the open bite, oral breathing and crowding, a bonded acrylic expander was used, avoiding patient cooperation. RESULTS The treatment was successfully completed, the open bite was corrected spontaneously by incisors eruption, the maxillary crowding was solved and the patient breathing was normalised. No cooperation was requested to the patient except oral hygiene. CONCLUSION We can conclude that in these patients the use of a simple expander with vertical control of skeletal pattern could lead to successful and stable outcome.