This article presents the demographic data for 91 doctors and 347 adult AOB patients, as well as the practitioners' self-reported treatment preferences.

Introduction: Anterior openbite (AOB) continues to be a challenging malocclusion for orthodontists to treat and retain long-term. There are many orthodontic treatment modalities used to treat AOB in adult patients, but there is no consensus on which modalities are most successful. This study aims to identify the overall success rate of AOB orthodontic treatment in the adult population across the United States, as well as factors that influence treatment success. Methods: Practitioners and their adult AOB patients were recruited through the National Dental PBRN. Patient dentofacial and demographic characteristics, practitioner demographic and practice characteristics, and factors relating to orthodontic treatment were reported. Treatment success was determined from post-treatment lateral cephalometric films and intraoral frontal photos. Treatment was categorized into four main groups: aligners, fixed appliances, TADs and orthognathic surgery. Extractions were also evaluated. Univariate and multivariate models were used to evaluate how treatment success varies with treatment modality, pre-treatment dentofacial characteristics, and patient and practitioner demographic and practice characteristics. Results: End of active treatment data was collected from 84 practitioners and 254 patients. Eighty four percent of patients finished with positive vertical overlap of all incisors and 93% with positive overbite on the post-treatment lateral cephalogram. While there were no statistically significant differences in success rates between the treatment groups, patients treated with orthognathic surgery had an increased odds for success when compared to those treated with fixed appliances only. Treatment success was also associated with academic practice setting, pre-treatment IMPA £90°, no to mild pre-treatment crowding, and treatment duration < 30 months. Conclusion: The success of orthodontic treatment in adult AOB patients who participated in this study was very high. While there was a range of success for the major treatment modalities, orthognathic surgery was the only treatment modality that reached statistically significance. There were some pre-treatment dentofacial characteristics and treatment factors associated with successful closure of AOB. I would like thank the University of Washington Department of Orthodontics and the University of Washington Orthodontic Alumni Association for this wonderful opportunity and academically fulfilling experience. Thank you to my research committee members, Greg Huang, Geoffrey Greenlee, and Andrea Burke, for your mentorship and guidance. I would also like to give a special thank you to my research partner, Sam Finkleman. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for my family and friends for all their support.

Introduction: This paper evaluates patient satisfaction of adults, who received orthodontic treatment for anterior openbite malocclusion across the United States. The factors that influence the satisfaction of these patients are also described. Methods: Practitioners were recruited from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Upon joining the Network, practitioner demographics and information on their practices were acquired. Practitioners enrolled their adult patients in active treatment for anterior openbite. Patient demographics, patient dentofacial characteristics, and details regarding previous and current treatment were collected through questionnaires at enrollment (T1). Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms and intraoral frontal photographs were submitted. Treatment performed and details related to treatment outcome were recorded through questionnaires at the end of active treatment (T2). Post-treatment lateral cephalograms and intraoral frontal photographs were submitted. Patient satisfaction at the end of active treatment (T2) was assessed using a five-point, Likert-like scale and open-ended responses. Predictive univariate models were developed to evaluate the factors that influence patient satisfaction. Open-ended responses were reviewed for general trends. Results: End of active treatment (T2) data was received for 256 patients. Two hundred forty-eight of these patients completed and returned the patient satisfaction questionnaires. High levels of satisfaction were found in our sample of adult patients receiving treatment for anterior openbite malocclusion. Specifically, 96% of the sample reported being very or somewhat satisfied. Only ten patients (4%) were not satisfied with the treatment provided or an element of the final result. Successful openbite closure, treatment modality, and certain patient characteristics may influence patient satisfaction. However, there was insufficient power to demonstrate statistical significance. Open-ended responses directly associated with patient satisfaction were received from twenty-three patients (9%). They relayed positive, neutral, and negative feelings about the treatment received and final results. Additional responses regarding the orthodontic treatment in general, but not specifically linked to patient satisfaction, were received from 119 patients (48%). These comments depict an overwhelmingly positive experience. Conclusions: Adult patients who received orthodontic treatment for anterior openbite malocclusion were generally satisfied with the treatment provided, as well as the final esthetic and functional results.

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