Open bite surgical/orthodontic cases.  Open bite cases pose a challenging problem.  They can many times be closed by orthodontic means only but, have a high tendency for relapse (especially on a non-extraction basis).  In adults that do not require extractions, the orthodontic closure of anterior open bites utilizing elastics will many times reopen.  In these cases, surgical posterior maxillary impaction allows for auto rotation of the mandible and a stable open bite closure.  I will leave the second molars slightly out of occlusion and allow them to spontaneously erupt since these may have been the only teeth to occlude prior to treatment.  More next week on non-surgical open bite closure.