The Effect of a Partial Bite-Raising Splint on the Inclination of Upper and Lower Front Teeth

AbstractIn a previous paper it was maintained that the effect of the permanent use of an anterior partial bite-raising splint was an intrusion of the front teeth and an eruption of the others. However, the effect might have been merely a change in the inclination of the front teeth. The present study comprised the same material as earlier. Linear and angular changes in the position of upper and lower incisors were measured on cephalometric radiographs. In the upper jaw a possible average proclination occurred, whereas in the lower jaw no or only a very small retroclination took place. The values were well within the method error, and it was concluded that the effect of the splint had been one of intrusion of the upper and lower front teeth and not merely a change in their inclination.Key Words: Orthodonticstooth intrusiontooth position