Treatment of Anterior Open Bite with the Bimler Functional Appliance: Report of Three Cases

Abstract

There is still controversy regarding the efficacy of functional appliances when treating malocclusion at an early age. Although a good outcome from treatment is important, the stability of the results over time becomes a major concern. This paper presents the results of three open bite cases treated with the Bimler type-A appliance in the mixed dentition. The open bite cases presented here demonstrate stability of the treatment results for more than 14 years without active retention after the active treatment period. A comparison between these cases and those performed with an elastic functional appliance, and the action of that appliance on tongue posture, are discussed. The cases presented in this paper support treating malocclusions at an early age with functional appliances. The features of the appliance chosen to treat an open bite early can be a key factor for the results and stability.

The Efficacy of a New AMCOP® Elastodontic Protocol for Orthodontic Interceptive Treatment: A Case Series and Literature Overview

“…In subsequent years numerous types of functional devices have been developed, usually bearing the name of their inventor such as Bimler, Balters, Fränkel, Planas, Cervera, Bass and Twin Block [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Traditional functional devices consisted of rigid and semi-rigid structures.…”

In Memoriam. About the micro-rhinic dysplasia

“…The only way to improve such an open bite due to a rotational prognathism, in our experience using Bimler appliances [3], is the extraction of the first molars. By this the Curve of Spee is deepened, the only mechanism to compensate the skeletal deviation which is the underlying cause of the Open Bite.…”