An open bite is more than just a cosmetic concern; it’s an orthodontic issue that can impact your overall health. Our Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics team will help you correct this condition and avoid serious problems in the future.
Before checking out the various treatment options available, you’ve probably wondered, “How does orthodontics fix open bites?” We’ll get you up to speed regarding this common misalignment concern and how modern orthodontic treatments can help you.
What You Need to Know About Open Bites
An open bite is a type of malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, where your upper teeth do not touch your lower teeth when you close your mouth, creating a gap. There are different kinds of open bite malocclusion, including the following:
- Anterior Open Bite
This occurs when your upper and lower incisors do not come into contact with each other, leading to a gap in the front of your mouth.
- Posterior Open Bite
On the other hand, the anterior refers to the front, which is located in the back. Your molars do not touch each other, whether it’s the molars or the premolars.
- Lateral Open Bite
This is a sideways malocclusion, when your upper and lower teeth do not touch, either on the left or the right side of your face.
- Complete Open Bite
This is a combination of the other types of open bites, usually a mix of posterior and anterior, where different gaps can be found in a closed mouth.
Causes of Open Bites
Open bites come from a variety of factors, whether hereditary or acquired. These factors include the following:
- Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of open bites. If the condition is present in your family, future offspring can inherit the same trait.
- Jaw Bone Structure: The development of your upper and lower jawbones can also lead to an open bite.
- Harmful Habits: Extended pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and tongue-thrusting are some habits that could push teeth out of place, causing an open bite.
- Chronic Mouth Breathing: Whether physiological, allergic reactions or nasal obstructions, breathing through the mouth can lead to teeth and jaw misalignment.
- Trauma or Injury: Excessive force to the teeth or jaw can disrupt their growth and throw them off alignment, causing an incorrect bite.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: The muscular dysfunction of the mastication and temporomandibular joints increases the risk of getting open bites.
There are other reasons for an open bite, and in most cases, a combination of multiple factors. Understanding the cause also helps our team determine the right treatment approach.
Orthodontic Solutions for Open Bites
At Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics, Dr. Joanna Yu will start with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and jaws. She’ll also review your medical history whenever possible and use all these pieces of information to create a treatment plan that addresses your open bite. Depending on the situation, Dr. Yu might explore one of the following options:
Metal Braces
Metal braces are one of the most traditional solutions for malocclusion. This treatment uses brackets and archwires made from medical-grade stainless steel that’s both durable and stain-resistant, making it a very reliable, low-maintenance treatment option.
Braces work by applying continuous pressure to the teeth over an extended period, moving them into their correct positions. In doing so, your teeth and jaw alignment are restored.
Clear Braces
Our offices in Portland and Windham also offer clear braces, which work the same way as their metal counterparts but with unique advantages. The brackets are made with high-grade ceramic materials that closely match your teeth’s natural color, making them more discreet than the metal ones. Additionally, clear braces are often more comfortable due to the smaller and rounder brackets.
However, ceramic brackets are less durable than their stainless steel bracket counterparts, and they are more prone to discoloration and stains if you drink dark-colored drinks. This orthodontic treatment is preferred by those who want a more subtle treatment and don’t mind the additional upkeep required.
Invisalign
Our Invisalign clear aligner trays also gradually move teeth to their desired position, although the method differs. For this treatment, you will receive a set of removable aligners that you wear for about a week until it’s time to switch to your next tray. They are made with medical-grade thermoplastic that’s safe, comfortable, and near-invisible.
By using orthodontic treatment options to correct your open bite, your teeth will be realigned, eliminating any previous jaw pain caused by your open bite. After completing either of the treatment options above, you will transition into a set of retainers to help your teeth get used to their new positions and prevent any retention.
Beyond treatment, regular orthodontic checkups are also necessary to ensure that your treatment continues to do its job and that you don’t experience relapses or setbacks to your oral well-being.
Get Ready to Smile!
Open bites are common, but they can lead to more serious problems if left unchecked. If you’re ready to correct your open bite and achieve your dream smile, schedule your free consultation with Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics today.