What is an open bite?
It is estimated that around ten million people in the United States have experienced problems with their bite, professionally referred to as malocclusions. One common type of bite problem is an open bite. An open bite is where the top and bottom teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, and the front teeth jut forward and out.
What causes an open bite?
Both structural and behavioral problems can cause open bites.
Structural issues with the development and alignment of the jaw and teeth include:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), which affects the shape and positioning of the joint bone in the jaw.
Improper jawbone growth where the jaw is disproportionate, preventing proper tooth alignment.
Skeletal abnormalities, which can offset how the jaw closes.
Behavioral practices can also contribute to malocclusion. Such habits include:
Excessive thumb-sucking.
Tongue thrusting when speaking and swallowing.
Frequent pacifier use past 18 months of age.
Poor tongue positioning where the tongue constantly puts pressure on the front teeth, pushing them outwards.
What issues do open bites cause?
Open bites can be harmful to oral health. For example:
People with open bites may struggle to eat hard, sticky, or chewy foods.
Open bites can cause extensive wear to back teeth.
They may also negatively affect a person’s speech with lisps and slurred speech.
Open bites may cause Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
How are open bites treated?
The most direct and effective approach to fixing an open bite is with orthodontic interventions such as braces, clear aligners, or dental appliances. In some cases, like with a misaligned jawbone, surgery may be required. If the person with an open bite has no adult teeth yet, stopping habits such as thumb or tongue sucking and pacifier use can help an open bite to resolve itself.
Conclusion
Open bites do not have to be a permanent problem. At Oasis Kids and Orthodontics, we are happy to help you solve your open bite. Give us a call today!