An open bite is more than just a cosmetic issue, it can affect you in other ways, from speech to sleeping. Thankfully, modern orthodontic treatments can set this right and save you from complications. Bennett Orthodontics has become a trusted provider of quality orthodontic care for patients of all ages around Mobile, Alabama.
Dr. Bennett and the Bennett Orthodontics team will explain what you need to know about this condition and how orthodontics can fix open bites.
Understanding Open Bites
An open bite is a form of tooth misalignment (malocclusion) where your upper and lower teeth do not come together when you close your jaws. This is generally classified into two categories. A posterior open bite occurs when your back teeth (molars and premolars) do not bite correctly. Meanwhile, an anterior open bite is when your top and bottom incisors don’t reach each other, leading to a gap in the front of your mouth.
Root causes: What leads to an open bite?
Open bites can be caused by genetic factors, habits and mannerisms, or even accidents. Below are some of the possible causes of having an open bite:
- Thumb-sucking/ Prolonged pacifier use
If you’ve retained your thumb-sucking habits or used pacifiers longer than necessary, your teeth can be misaligned. These habits continuously apply force to your teeth, leading to an open bite.
- Tongue thrusting
The tongue is a stronger muscle group than most people realize; tongue thrusting can have a similar effect to thumb-sucking or excessive pacifier use. However, it’s worth noting that tongue thrusting can result from poor swallowing habits and may require intervention to correct.
- Accidents and injuries
Dental trauma during childhood can cause open bites in later life. These events can also affect root curvature and tooth development, causing misalignment.
- Supernumerary teeth
Also known as hyperdontia, people with this condition have extra teeth. This leads to crowding (teeth packed tightly together) and raises various alignment problems.
- Diseases
Certain medical conditions can also negatively affect teeth and jaw development, causing an open bite. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a dysfunction of the joints in the jaw, increases the risk of an open bite. Similarly, rickets is a bone disease that can lead to a so-called rachitic open bite—although this is rare today, thanks to accessible vitamin D supplements.
Open bites can develop at any stage of life. Understanding the cause of this condition helps Dr. Bennett identify the correct treatment for your open bite.
How Orthodontics Can Help You With Open Bites
When you visit our Mobile office, you can tour our facility before getting to know Dr. Bennett and the rest of the team. Your initial consultation will involve sharing your smile goals and having Dr. Bennett evaluate your teeth and jaws. With help from the latest in orthodontic technology, he’ll take photos and x-ray scans of your mouth to create a digital mockup.
Depending on the situation, Dr. Bennett will recommend one of the following treatment options for your open bite.
Braces
Braces use a set of brackets, guided by an archwire, to gradually move the teeth into place. We offer both metal and ceramic braces. Metal braces are made from medical-grade stainless steel, which are more affordable, durable, and stain-resistant.
On the other hand, clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend with the natural color of your teeth. This makes them more discreet than the metal ones, although these are more prone to staining and discoloration.
This is a common treatment option for children and teenagers. If primary teeth have the same open bite pattern as baby teeth, Dr. Bennett can also recommend a custom set of braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners also gradually move your teeth into place, but use a series of custom-made aligners. You wear an aligner tray for a specified period, move on to the next, and so on until your teeth are moved into position and your open bite resolved.
Made with clear thermoplastics, Invisalign is near-invisible. More importantly, you can remove it when you’re eating or on special occasions, letting you enjoy food without worrying about bent wires or cracked brackets.
Surgical Orthodontics
In more complex cases of open bite, orthognathic surgery might be required. This procedure involves adjusting the position of the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws by removing or reshaping bone segments. This allows the teeth to be repositioned to correct the open bite and address other alignment issues. Often, this surgery is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other orthodontic procedures to ensure a lasting correction of the bite problem.
Say Goodbye to Your Open Bite
Correcting an open bite does more than enhance your smile—it also improves your overall oral health. Partnering with a trusted orthodontic clinic, like Bennett Orthodontics ensures that you receive the most effective treatment and a positive experience throughout your journey. If you’re ready to address your teeth alignment concerns, take the first step by scheduling your free consultation today.