Comparison of mesiodistal angulations of premolars and molars in anterior open bite subjects with different sagittal malocclusions: A retrospective study

Introduction: Mesiodistal angulation of premolars and molars can be altered by forces of open bite malocclusion. The aim of this study was to compare the mesiodistal angulations of the posterior teeth in class I, II, and III individuals with anterior open bite (AOB) versus individuals with harmonious occlusion. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study used 299 lateral head radiographs of individuals with permanent dentition. There were 4 groups (harmonious occlusion [n = 89], Class I open bite [OB] [n = 75], Class II OB [n = 66], and Class III OB [n = 69]). Premolar (1UPM, 2UPM) and molar (1UM, 2UM) angulations were measured relative to the occlusal plane and the palatal or mandibular plane by a trained and calibrated evaluator. ANOVA and Scheffe tests were used for statistical analyses (P < 0.05). Results: The mesial angulation of the upper premolars showed greater angulation of between approximately 2̊ and 5̊ in the OB groups compared to the harmonious occlusion group (P < 0.05). Only in the Class II OB group did the first and second upper molars show distal angulation in relation to the palatal plane (1UM 81.85̊ ± 5.42̊; 2UM 75.32 ± 7.4̊) (P < 0.05). The Class III OB group presented the greatest distal angulations of the lower premolars and molars (between 3̊ to 5̊ of difference, P < 0.05) in relation to those of the harmonious occlusion group. Conclusions: The upper first premolars in all the AOB groups and the lower second premolars in the Class II OB group had greater mesioangulation. Additionally, the upper molars of the Class II OB group and the lower molars of the Class III OB group showed distoangulation compared with the molars in the group with harmonious occlusion.