What is an open bite?
An open bite is the name given to an orthodontic concern characterised by anterior (“front”) teeth that do not
meet when the top and bottom jaws are closed together; but remain, as the name suggests, “open”. While less common than the anterior open bite, an open bite can be present posterially (towards the back of the mouth), too.
What causes it?
- An open bite is often hereditary, but may also be the result of:
- The development or under-development of the jaw and dentition (“teeth”)
- Mouth-breathing
- Habits such as thumb-sucking
- Misuse of dummies or baby bottles while the mouth and teeth were developing
What impact does it have?
While an open bite may have a cosmetic impact on the sufferer, it may also affect your ability to bite, chew, and talk. It may also put undue pressure on one or more of your jaw joints and cause premature tooth wear, and even dental trauma.
How is it treated?
An open bite can be treated in several ways; more severe cases are often best treated with a combined surgical and orthodontic approach, where others may be treated with the removal of teeth and orthodontic treatment, or simply orthodontic treatment alone.
To find out more about open bites, and your treatment options, contact us today to organise a free consultation with Specialist Orthodontist, Dr David Austin.