What Is An Open Bite?
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don’t make contact when biting down. This results in a gap or opening between both arches of teeth when a person closes their jaw. Not only can an open bite affect the appearance of your smile, but it can also affect its function as well.
It is common for patients with an open bite to experience difficulty speaking and eating. Open bite is one of the common orthodontic concerns that Dr. Wayne Sankey can treat. Call our office today or schedule a consultation to discover orthodontic options for treating an open bite. There are a variety of types of open bites that patients may experience. Each may be treated slightly differently, so we recommend scheduling a consultation appointment to discuss your options.
Types of Open Bite:
- Anterior open bite: There is no overlapping between the opposing front teeth when biting the teeth together.
- Incomplete overbite: When the lower front teeth do not contact the upper front teeth.
- Posterior open bite: When there is a space between the back teeth when biting down.
What Causes An Open Bite?
Several factors can affect the alignment of the teeth. In some cases, an open bite is caused by a development issue of the jaw bone. Other times, an open bite may be caused by poor dental habits, including tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, chewing objects, TMJ, skeletal problems, or extended pacifier use.
While poor oral habits can contribute to an open bite, they are especially troublesome if continued when all of the permanent teeth erupt or when there is a mix of both baby and permanent teeth. An open bite can also be passed down genetically. The best time to correct an open bite is in adolescence when the jawbone and teeth have not fully formed. Receiving treatment at a young age reduces the risk of orthodontic relapse.
What Are The Signs of An Open Bite?
The most common sign of an open bite is your front teeth may not meet when you close your mouth. However, there are a few other signs that may indicate an open bite:
- Difficulty closing the mouth
- Uncomfortable or difficulty chewing
- Improper tooth alignment
If you or your child have experienced any of the signs above, it is important to visit our Flower Mound Orthodontics office for the care you need. Dr. Sankey can evaluate your smile and take X-rays of your teeth and jaw to provide a proper diagnosis. These X-rays will help our team assess the relationship between your teeth and jaw and spot any structural abnormalities.
How To Treat An Open Bite
Sometimes, an open bite may resolve independently when there is a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Regular appointments should be scheduled to monitor a child’s development. We may examine a child’s dental habits at this stage and make the appropriate recommendations. If an open bite is progressing, we may recommend intervention.
Dr. Sankey will perform a comprehensive evaluation to best determine how to treat an open bite. During the evaluation, Dr. Sankey will assess the condition of the teeth and jaw and how they relate to each other. Depending on factors like the results of your evaluation, age, and the development of the baby and permanent teeth, Dr. Sankey may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Invisalign
- Traditional braces
- Surgical orthodontics (more common in adults with permanent open bite)
Open Bite FAQs
Do you have further questions about how orthodontic treatment can correct open bite? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office. If you have further questions, contact us during regular office where our office staff can help you.
Can an open bite get worse?
Over time, an open bite will shift and become worse. It is important to fix open bite early because as time progresses, it becomes more and more exaggerated. The best time to fix an open bite is during adolescence. As patients grow and mature so do their mouths and jaw structure. The sooner we can correct the open bite, the more successful the results will be.
What does an open bite look like?
An open bite is a vertical gap between the top and bottom teeth. They do not connect in the front of the jaw. It looks like there is a small or sometimes large space between the two sets of teeth. This can cause difficulty speaking and eating. Some open bites may appear more severe than others; however, it is always recommended to correct them to give full function to your bite.
Can an open bite cause TMJ?
An open bite can cause TMJ. Misaligned teeth are known to cause TMJ. If you experience headaches from TMJ that you believe to be caused by a misaligned bite, then having your dentist correct your bite will stop the TMJ and headaches. Open bites are one of the most common tooth misalignment issues and are very likely to cause TMJ because the alignment issue is located at the jaw bone and TMJ joint.
Can an open bite lead to speech problems?
Yes, an open bite can lead to speech problems. When the upper and lower front teeth do not meet properly, it can affect the articulation of sounds, leading to difficulties pronouncing certain words or sounds. This can be particularly difficult for children as they grow and learn to speak clearly. Orthodontic treatment is often necessary to correct the open bite and improve speech clarity.
At what age should you treat an open bite?
It is best to treat an open bite during childhood or adolescence. During this time, typically between the ages of 7 and 11, facial bones still develop. Early intervention allows Dr. Sankey to treat the child so their jaw grows properly. Adults can receive treatment for an open bite, too. However, it may be a more complex and intensive treatment. Specialized orthodontics and surgery may be needed depending on the severity.
Can an open bite cause jaw pain?
Yes, it is possible for an open bite to cause jaw pain. Any time the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly, it can cause excessive strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. This strain leads to a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD can be very painful, with symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and more. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate these issues by correcting the open bite and promoting proper jaw alignment.
It is possible to prevent an open bite in my child?
Yes, it is possible to prevent an open bite. You can do this by discouraging prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use after the age of 3. These habits tend to push the front teeth forward, which leads to an open bite. If you notice your child has speech issues, you should address them promptly. By attending regular dental checkups, your dentist can help identify any issues early. Then, you can consult with Dr. Sankey for guidance and proper intervention.
Find Treatment For An Open Bite in Flower Mound, TX
If you would like to explore your treatment options for an open bite, visit Dr. Sankey of Flower Mound Orthodontics. To schedule an appointment, call 972.833.8212 or request an appointment online.