Posterior Open Bite Due to Failure of Maxillary Molar Eruption

Abstract

Posterior open bite can cause problems with occlusion. It arises from systemic or local factors such as physical or functional interference, ankylosis, and failure of eruption. Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a rare condition that is difficult to differentiate from ankylosis and requires complex treatment strategies. Here we report a 12-year-old girl who was referred to our hospital by her dentist for re-evaluation of eruption failure of the left maxillary secondary premolar and first and second molars with congenitally missing maxillary lateral teeth. The maxillary first molar was extracted for a therapeutic diagnosis. The left maxillary secondary premolar and second molar reacted well to subsequent orthodontic treatment. Auto-transplantation of the mandibular premolar to the maxil-lary arch was carried out to achieve optimal overjet, overbite, and occlusion. The active treatment period spanned 4 years and 1 month. Assessment of the patient's medical and dental history, prior trauma, and clinical conditions resulted in a therapeutic diagnosis of PFE. Satisfactory orthodontic treatment results were achieved.