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Anterior open bite habit — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardOrthodonticsAnterior open bite habitNDEB AFK

A 9-year-old has an anterior open bite, proclined maxillary incisors, and a history of persistent thumb sucking. There is no skeletal asymmetry and the posterior occlusion is stable. What is the most appropriate treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Habit cessation with interceptive orthodontic review

A persistent digit habit with dental anterior open bite should be addressed with habit cessation support and interceptive orthodontic review. Surgery is inappropriate for a growing child with a primarily habit-related dental problem. The pearl is that habit duration and intensity influence whether the malocclusion self-corrects after the habit stops.

Reference: NDEB orthodontic reference texts; NDEB KSAs 2024