Pediatric Dentistry · single question
A child has a bilateral posterior open bite and dislikes the spaces between his posterior teeth. Most likely cause?
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Correct answer: A. Ankylosis
- A. Correct. Ankylosis of primary molars causes the tooth to fail to erupt with its neighbors (submergence), producing a localized posterior open bite and apparent 'spaces' as adjacent teeth continue erupting.
- B. Thumb sucking classically produces an ANTERIOR open bite, not bilateral posterior open bite.
- C. Tongue thrust also tends to create an anterior open bite.
- D. Mouth breathing is associated with a long-face pattern and anterior open bite, not isolated posterior submergence.
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