Table of Contents
- What is an Open Bite?
- Causes of Open Bite
- Excessive Sucking Habits
- Tongue Thrusting
- Genetics and Jaw Structure
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Jaw Injuries
- TMJ disorders
- How Does an Open Bite Affect You?
- Aesthetics
- Impaired Tongue and Lip Function
- TMJ Disorders
- Chewing and Digestive Issues
- Oral Hygiene Challenges
- Sleep Apnea and Breathing Issues
- Psychological Effects
- Treatment Options for Open Bite Teeth
- Choose Aligner32 to Get Rid of Open Bite
- Tips to Prevent an Open Bite
- Avoid thumb-sucking and Tongue Thrusting
- Nasal Breathing Over Mouth Breathing
- Myofunctional Therapies
- Regular Orthodontic Checkups
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
An open bite may not be an issue for some people but for many, it's a confidence killer. It could be a hidden culprit behind your jaw pain and headaches. But, here is some good news! Modern dentistry has introduced a variety of treatments for open bites. Your dentist may recommend the treatment that suits your needs and requirements.
In this article, you will learn the causes of open bites and ways to get rid of them.
What is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a kind of dental malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed.
An open bite can occur on either the front teeth, or the back teeth, and in some cases, it can affect both.
Types of Open Bite
An open bite can affect different areas of the mouth and is classified into the following types:
Anterior Open Bite
An anterior bite is a condition in which, when the mouth is closed, the front teeth do not meet while the back teeth do.
Posterior Open Bite
Posterior open bite is a condition in which the front teeth do not meet but the back teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed.
Signs of an Open Bite
A slight open bite can go unnoticed, but the serious cases of open bites are quite noticeable. Following are some of the signs that indicate you might have an open bite
- Upper and lower teeth don’t contact, even with a closed mouth
- Unappealing smile
- The chin and jawline are less pronounced
- Troubled in chewing and swallowing
- Speech impediments (like lisping)
- Difficulty when biting
- TMJ dysfunction
- Jaw pain and discomfort
Causes of Open Bite
A variety of factors ranging from habits to accidents cause an open bite. Some of them are explained below:
Excessive Sucking Habits
Sucking a thumb or pacifier is normal during childhood but if it exceeds the age of 4, it becomes harmful to the teeth. Excessive thumb-sucking exerts pressure and pushes the teeth, straining the alignment of teeth and creating an open bite.
Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting means pushing your tongue against your front teeth. It occurs when a person speaks or swallows and pushes their tongue between their upper and lower front teeth. Over time, this causes teeth to shift, causing an open bite. According to research, tongue thrusting is involved in almost all open bite cases.
Genetics and Jaw Structure
Family genes play an important role in development. They determine the skeletal structure of the jaw and the alignment of teeth. In the case of skeletal issues, the root problem might be jaw development, which is influenced by genes. Some people inherit jaw structures that are underdeveloped or overdeveloped, leading to an open bite.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
People with bruxism often grind their teeth and clench their jaw at night. Grinding the teeth may cause changes in their alignment. teeth experience unnecessary pressure, potentially causing an open bite. Chronic grinding damages the enamel and causes teeth to shift, preventing proper contact between the upper and lower teeth, and leading to an open bite.
Jaw Injuries
Any kind of trauma, fall, or accident that affects the jaw and causes jaw displacement can trigger various kinds of malocclusions, including an open bite.
TMJ disorders
Issues with TMJ, which connects the jaw to the skull, cause chronic jaw pain and stress. People use their tongues to reposition their jaw comfortably. In this attempt, they unknowingly push their teeth and cause an open bite.
How Does an Open Bite Affect You?
Open bite doesn't come alone. It comes with various oral and overall health complications. These issues include the following:
Aesthetics
If a person has an open bite, their teeth will look like they are sticking out. Also, his face will appear asymmetrical with altered features.
Impaired Tongue and Lip Function
An open bite disrupts the normal functioning of the tongue and lips. It affects the placement and movement of the tongue, leading to speech impediments, and making it harder to pronounce certain words or produce certain sounds.
TMJ Disorders
Excessive force applied when a bite is taken or chewed causes strains of the jaw and joints, potentially causing TMD and related issues and discomfort.
Chewing and Digestive Issues
An open bite prevents you from proper biting and chewing. The chewing functionality is diminished when, due to an open bite, the force is not distributed evenly. Inefficient chewing makes digestion harder, leading to gastrointestinal issues.
Oral Hygiene Challenges
One major issue that comes along with an open bite is difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene. If oral hygiene is not properly maintained, the risk of bacterial growth and dental problems such as cavities and gingivitis increases, causing damage to the teeth.
Sleep Apnea and Breathing Issues
Severe bite problem also disrupts your sleep. In addition to that, an open bite also obstructs airways, potentially leading to sleep apnea and other breathing-related disorders during sleep.
Psychological Effects
An open bite also disturbs mental health. Its aesthetic implications may impact a person's self-esteem and self-image and might make them self-conscious and hesitant when talking or smiling.
Treatment Options for Open Bite Teeth
It is crucial to identify the underlying causes of open bite to treat it. Your orthodontist will suggest the treatment option best suited for you. Here are the surgical and non-surgical treatment options for open bites.
Non-surgical Options
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are the most discreet and comfortable option for treating an open bite. They are made of clear plastic, making the treatment nearly invisible. They are custom-made and fit seamlessly into your routine, gradually and gently shifting your teeth into their ideal positions.
Braces
Braces consist of metal wires and braces. Your orthodontist will attach these braces to your teeth and use wires to adjust the shape of the bone, moving the teeth into a correct bite. They are effective in treating severe open bites but cause extreme discomfort and restrict eating and maintaining oral hygiene.
Screws
Screws are attached along with the braces. The orthodontist drills these metal appliances into the jaw and attaches a rubber band to it. The other part of the rubber band is attached to the braces. The band forces the teeth to move down into their natural position, closing the open bite.
Dental Appliances
In some cases, orthodontic appliances such as bite blocks, palatal expanders, tongue cribs or high-pull headgears are suggested to help guide jaw growth and correct the misalignment of teeth.
Surgical Options
Orthodontic Surgery for Jaw Correction
In severe cases, surgery may be required for a skeletal open bite, which is often caused by excessive jaw growth. It involves cutting,repositioning,and securing the jawbones with plates and screws.
Genioplasty
Genioplasty is considered for open bite cases where chin position affects jaw function and facial aesthetics. It involved reshaping and repositioning of the chin bone to define the jawline and facial symmetry.
Tooth Extraction
Overgrown or overcrowded back teeth prevent front teeth from meeting properly. In this case, tooth extraction may be required to create space for other teeth to align properly.
Choose Aligner32 to Get Rid of Open Bite
Aligner32 stands out by offering the most discrete and affordable solution for your open bite. Our transparent clear aligners help overcome all kinds of mild to moderate misalignments. If your open bite concerns you and you want to correct it without compromising your appearance, Aligner32 Clear Aligners is the best option for you.
Why Aligner32 Stands Out
We offer 2 kinds of treatment plansfor you to choose from, depending on your personal preference and the complexity of the case.
All Day Plan
Begin a hassle-free journey to correct your open bite with our All Day Clear Aligners. Whether you want to get the aligners for a single arch, or you want them for both arches, you can get your All Day Clear Aligners at your doorstep. With a wear time of 22 hours, you can get your alignment fixed in just four to six months. However, negligence in the wearing time or complex issues may have a longer treatment time.
Night Wear Plan
Individuals with busy routines can go for our Night Wear Plan for clear aligners. This plan allows you to get aligners for single or dual arch so that you can fix your open bite without having any hurdles in your routine. You will get a straight, gap-free smile while you sleep. The Night Wear aligners are worn for 10 hours every day to get optimal results within six to eight months.
How the Process Works
Follow these simple steps to get the smile you deserve:
Smile Assessment
Give a quick smile assessment to know your eligibility for the Aligner32 Clear Aligners treatment.
Order the Aligners
Place your order for the aligners. Choose the payment plan that suits your budget.
Receive the impression kit
We will send you an impression kit at your doorstep.
Make precise impressions
By using the guide provided with the impressions, make precise impressions of your teeth and send them back to us. If you find any difficulty in making impressions, our customer support is available 24/7 to guide you.
3D Smile Projection Model
Our team of experts will make a 3D smile projection model of your teeth before the start of treatment to ensure you get the results you want.
Aligners Fabrication
Once you approve the smile, our expert team will craft your clear aligners keeping in view your impressions so that they exactly fit your teeth.
Transform Your Smile
Receive your clear aligners at your doorstep along with post-treatment plans and begin transforming your smile.
Tips to Prevent an Open Bite
Save yourself from extensive and expensive treatments by preventing an open bite. This can be done by altering certain harmful habits.
Avoid thumb-sucking and Tongue Thrusting
Encourage your child to stop thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting before the emergence of permanent teeth to avoid open bites.
Nasal Breathing Over Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can contribute to an open bite. Encourage proper oral posture and breathing techniques from a young age to prevent an open bite. In case you have one, avoid breathing from the mouth to prevent it from worsening.
Myofunctional Therapies
Myofunctional therapies are helpful in maintaining proper jaw and tongue position. Practice correcting your swallowing techniques by placing the tongue on the palate while swallowing.
Regular Orthodontic Checkups
Visit your orthodontist regularly to keep track of your dental progress and catch the early signs of an open bite. This allows you to address the issue before it worsens.
Final Thoughts
An open bite is a discrepancy related to the position of your teeth. It can spoil the attractiveness of your smile and even hinder the function of your jaw. But it does not have to hold you back. You can choose whatever options suit you the best. However, with the expertise and advanced clear aligners offered by Aligner32, you can take proactive steps to correct this issue and achieve the beautiful, functional smile you deserve.
FAQs
Q1. What is an open bite?
An open bite is a kind of dental malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed.
Q2. What is the cause of open bite?
An open bite can be caused by multiple factors including genetics, excessive sucking habits, tongue thrusting, teeth grinding, or injury.
Q3. Does an open bite affect the face?
Yes, an open bite also alters the facial structure and symmetry. It affects how your chin, jaw, and lips are placed, affecting the overall symmetry of the face.
Q4. Can clear aligners fix an open bite?
Yes, clear aligners like those offered by Aligner32, are very effective for treating mild to moderate open bite cases. However, for severe cases, other options are also combined with clear aligners to get effective results.
References
What Is An Open Bite? (n.d.). Colgate. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/what-is-an-open-bite#
Punda, V. (n.d.). Open bite: How to fix an open bite naturally in adults (Before & After). https://www.mewing.app/blog/open-bite
Frothingham, S. (2018a, May 15). Open bite. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/open-bite
