Effectiveness of Treatment Modalities for Deep Bite Malocclusion in Adults

Abstract

AIM: This study evaluated the effectiveness of different treatment modalities for deep bite correction in adult patients, focusing on anterior teeth intrusion, clinical outcomes, and long-term stability to inform evidence-based treatment planning.

METHODS: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, selecting 26 studies published between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria prioritised adult, non-growing patients and clinical evaluations of deep bite correction. Key variables included incisor intrusion, inclination changes, and the incidence of external apical root resorption (EARR).

RESULTS: Multiple modalities—fixed appliances, intrusion arches, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), clear aligners, bite turbos, functional appliances, and surgical interventions—were effective for adult deep bite correction. Two-TAD configurations placed distal to the lateral incisors achieved the highest intrusion with superior torque control and proclination-to-intrusion ratios as low as 0.6°/mm. Intrusion arches produced notable intrusion but greater labial proclination. EARR was consistently observed across all modalities involving anterior intrusion, with its extent strongly influenced by intrusion rate and incisor proclination.

CONCLUSION: Various methods effectively correct deep bites in adults. Appropriate modality selection requires an understanding of each method’s biomechanical forces and alignment with the patient’s malocclusion. Most intrusion-based treatments involve incisor proclination, making the proclination-to-intrusion ratio a key metric for clinical decision-making and long-term planning.