Patient Acceptance and Satisfaction: A Comparative Study of Low Transpalatal Arch with Tongue Spurs versus Tongue Spurs Alone in Developing Anterior Open Bite Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior open bite is a challenging malocclusion often associated with anterior tongue posture. Tongue Spurs (TS) and low transpalatal arch (LTPA), and TS alone are two common orthodontic modalities used to address Anterior open bite (AOB). However, patient acceptance and comfort levels with these appliances remain understudied. Objectives: To compare patient acceptance of tongue spurs and low trans palatal arch versus tongue spurs alone in the treatment of developing anterior open bite.Materials and methods: Thirty children, aged 7-11 years, in mixed dentition phase, presenting with an AOB of at least 1 mm and an Angle Class I molar relationship, randomly allocated to Group I: received treatment with bondable lingual TS combined with a LTPA, while Group II was treated with bondable lingual TS alone. Lateral cephalograms and digital models were collected both before treatment and after a 6-month follow-up period. A questionnaire evaluated patient acceptance and perception of pain and discomfort after a 6-month follow-up.Results: Lingual TS group reported significantly better experiences, with 100% "Very Good" satisfaction (p<.00001), less noticeable appliances (42.86%, p=.0034), and milder speech/eating difficulties compared to LTPA/TS group. The TS alone group had less pain (71.43% p<.00001), and no gum bleeding (100%, p<.00001).Conclusion: The Lingual Tongue Spurs offer superior patient comfort, functionality, and social acceptability, making them a preferred choice for orthodontic treatment despite similar debonding rates. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting appliances to optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes.