Cephalometric Assessment and Long-Term Stability of Anterior Open-Bite Correction with Skeletal Anchorage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Featured Application: This review supports the clinical use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) as a minimally invasive alternative to orthognathic surgery for the correction of anterior open bite (AOB) in selected patients. The findings can guide treatment planning by highlighting the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes achievable with TADs and their reported long-term stability. This systematic review evaluated the dento-skeletal effects and long-term stability of anterior open-bite (AOB) correction with temporary anchorage devices (TADs). A comprehensive search up to May 2025 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Scielo, Epistemonikos, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Eligible studies included randomized and non-randomized trials and case series with cephalometric outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed with the MINORS tool. A qualitative synthesis was performed, and studies meeting criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Ot of 1885 records, 22 studies were included qualitatively; 5 entered meta-analysis. Treatment yielded a mean overbite increase of 5.6 mm and reduction in N-Me of 2.8 mm. FMA and SN-GoMe decreased by about 2° and 1.6°, ANB by 1.7°, while SN-Pog increased by 1.4°. Most studies reported stability up to 3 years. Despite heterogeneity and predominance of non-randomized studies, evidence suggests TADs effectively correct AOB through overbite improvement and mandibular counterclockwise rotation. Reported effects appear stable, supporting skeletal anchorage as a reliable, less invasive alternative to surgery in selected patients.