INTERCEPTIVE TREATMENT OF ANTERIOR OPEN BITE IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Anterior open bite is a malocclusion characterized by the lack of contact between the upper and lower anterior teeth, which may compromise essential functions such as mastication, swallowing, speech, breathing, and facial aesthetics. It is a multifactorial condition, commonly associated with deleterious oral habits, muscle imbalances, and respiratory alterations, affecting not only oral health but also the child’s psychosocial development. The aim of this study was to analyze, through a literature review, the orthodontic and functional strategies used in the interceptive treatment of anterior open bite in children, assessing their effectiveness, indications, and limitations. Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were selected from SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The results show that early interventions, carried out during the mixed dentition phase, present greater efficacy and long-term stability, especially when orthodontic appliances, such as palatal cribs and tongue spurs, are combined with myofunctional therapy. A multidisciplinary approach and family adherence are crucial factors for therapeutic success. Despite the proven benefits, the literature still lacks standardized protocols and longitudinal studies to validate the stability of results. It is concluded that the interceptive treatment of anterior open bite should be understood not only as a clinical intervention but also as a preventive and educational strategy, capable of providing functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial benefits, thus contributing to the child’s overall development.