Comparing two dental appliances to correct front open bite in children

Treatment Effects of Vertical Holding Appliance in Comparison to Zachrisson Transpalatal Arch on Anterior Open Bite Correction During Mixed Dentition: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07379632

We will try two types of upper dental appliances—the Zachrisson transpalatal arch and the Vertical Holding Appliance—to see which better closes front open bites in children aged 6–12 with mixed dentition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment38 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07379632 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Children aged 6–12 with mixed dentition and skeletal anterior open bite will receive either a Zachrisson transpalatal arch or a Vertical Holding Appliance at a single center. Treatment effects will be compared using clinical occlusion measures and radiographic/cephalometric analysis over the active treatment period. Eligible participants must have erupted maxillary and mandibular incisors and upper first molars and maintain good oral hygiene, while exclusions include systemic disease, missing teeth, prior orthodontic treatment, and posterior crossbites. The trial aims to identify which appliance produces greater bite closure and dental stability in this growing population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6–12 with skeletal anterior open bite in mixed dentition, Class I or II relationships, erupted incisors and upper first molars, and good oral hygiene.

Not a fit: Children with systemic disease, missing teeth, prior orthodontic treatment, posterior crossbites, or who do not meet the age or eruption criteria are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify the more effective appliance for closing anterior open bite in growing children, potentially simplifying care and reducing the need for more complex treatment later.

How similar studies have performed: Both the transpalatal arch and the vertical holding appliance are established orthodontic tools with prior reports of benefit for open-bite cases, but direct head-to-head comparisons in mixed dentition are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children with the age rage from 6-12 years old.
2. Both male and female.
3. Class I and II skeletal and dental.
4. Skeletal anterior open bite.
5. Maxillary and mandibular incisors and upper first molars erupted.
6. Good oral hygiene.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Systemic disease.
2. Missing teeth.
3. Previous orthodontic treatment.
4. Presence of posterior crossbites.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anterior Open Bite in Mixed Dentition
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.