OPEN BITE: AN OVERVIEW
What is an open bite?
An open bite is when some or all of the upper and lower teeth do not correctly come into contact with each other. An ideal bite is when the upper teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth by about 25%. We can typically diagnose open bites in a child’s early oral development. Openbite is one of the dental problems Izadi Orthodontics addresses in its Timonium, MD, office.
Open bites are commonly associated with a skeletal formation or can be caused by developmental myofunctional habits like thumb sucking, sucking of the lower lip, tongue forward posture, or tongue thrust. The cause of the open bite will determine the appropriate treatment.
This is an actual patient with an open bite. The patient was treated with full braces and a non-surgical case. The total treatment time was 24 months with in-office tongue thrusting therapy. All rights are reserved.
Open bites can be extremely embarrassing, especially for children. A big gap between their bottom and top teeth makes them too self-conscious to smile. Not only does it affect the appearance of their smile, but it can also lead to speech issues. An open bite can make it difficult for some children to talk, leading to lisps or speech impediments.
What is Tongue Thrust?
Tongue thrust is a common habit that children develop early on in life. Children push their tongue forward, instead of relaxing it back while swallowing, speaking, or resting their tongue. The habitual pattern of the tongue pushing forward on the teeth can cause the jaw and teeth to become misaligned. Tongue thrusting during early oral development can impact your child’s facial and skeletal structure.
Izadi Orthodontics encourages early intervention and treatment of open bites to prevent further complications. Most orthodontists agree that all children should be evaluated by age seven to determine whether their jaw and teeth are developing correctly.
Early intervention is extremely important because children with open bites can struggle with speaking and eating. Treating open bites early in the development of the primary teeth can prevent speech impediments and improve the quality of your child’s life. Early intervention also takes advantage of the child’s still-growing jaw.
Openbite: What to Expect
Dr. Izadi and our orthodontic care team provide comprehensive analyses and personalized treatment plans for children with open bites. We aim to thoroughly analyze the skeletal structure and bite to provide targeted treatment for long-term results.
Advances in dental technology have made treating children with open bites much easier and more realistic. Even though children will need early intervention, treatments are more comfortable and shorter in duration, making it less likely that more involved future treatments will be needed.
We encourage parents to bring their children in for an orthodontic analysis as early as 7. Early treatment can prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw. Dr. Izadi can help children stop the myofunctional habits that create open bites. Phased treatment and early intervention can prevent developmental speech issues and avoid damage to the bite and jaw.
Treatment Options for Open Bite
We personalize all treatment plans to each patient’s orthodontic needs. Using advanced analytic technology, digital imaging, and 3-D models, Izadi Orthodontics can provide more precise treatment that will support lasting orthodontic health with minimal inconvenience to our patients.
Open Bite FAQs
An open bite is a type of dental malocclusion that we treat with orthodontic treatment. Here are some common questions patients ask us about the condition.
What is an open bite?
When the top and bottom arches of teeth do not contact each other, this is an open bite.
Can I fix an open bite as an adult?
You can treat an open bite at any age. However, treating it as young as possible can help prevent speech development and facial growth complications. Dr. Izadi offers two-phase treatment options for children with open bites to prevent future oral health complications.
What are the treatment options for an open bite?
Treatment to correct an open bite may vary depending on the teeth’s alignment. Timonium, MD, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Izadi offers comprehensive bite analysis and personalized treatments for optimal results.
How long does it take to correct an open bite?
The length of treatment for an open bite depends on the specifics of your situation. Treatment may last anywhere from 12 to 4 months.
How do you stop an open bite from relapsing?
Relapse during the retention phase after correcting an open bite is not uncommon. We commonly give patients clear aligners and elastics to wear at night to prevent this.
Is openbite genetic?
You can inherit an open bite genetically, or functional issues can cause it. When a child is young, the teething process can cause it as they move from primary to permanent molars.
Can untreated open bites change the shape of the face?
Yes, untreated open bites can change the shape of the face. The mouth and jaw look different when the teeth do not meet correctly. This may make the face look longer or the lips stick out. Over time, this can cause problems with talking, eating, and even smiling.
Can open bites affect speech?
Yes, open bites can affect speech. The open space caused by an open bite can lead to your tongue slipping out, making it hard to say sounds like “s” or “z.” This can cause a lisp or make talking less clear. Fixing an open bite with braces or other dental care can help improve speech and make it easier to say words correctly.
Do open bites affect how the jaw joints function, and can they increase the risk of TMJ disorders?
Yes, open bites can affect how the jaw joints work. When the top and bottom teeth do not touch, your jaw will move in ways it’s not meant to, which may stress the jaw joints. Over time, this might cause pain or other problems, such as TMJ disorders. Getting help from your orthodontist will help reduce your risk of TMJ issues.