OPEN BITE: AN OVERVIEW
What is an Openbite?
An openbite 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 will slightly overlap the bottom teeth by about 25%. Openbites can typically be diagnosed in a child’s early oral development. Openbite is one of the dental problems Izadi Orthodontics addresses in his Timonium, MD, office.
Openbites 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 openbite will determine the appropriate treatment.
This is an actual patient with an openbite. Patient was treated with full braces and a non-surgical case. Total treatment time of 24 months with in-office tongue thrusting therapy. All rights are reserved.
Openbites can be extremely embarrassing especially for children. A big gap between their bottom and top teeth will make them too self-conscience to smile. Not only does it affect the appearance of their smile, but it can also lead to speech issues. An openbite 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 the facial and skeletal structure of your child.
Izadi Orthodontics encourages early intervention and treatment of openbites to prevent further complications. Most orthodontists will agree that all children should be evaluated by age seven to see if their jaw and teeth are developing correctly.
Early intervention is extremely important because children with openbites can have difficulty speaking and eating. Treating openbites 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 analysis and personalized treatment plans for children with openbites. Our goal is to thoroughly analyze the skeletal structure and bite to provide targeted treatment for long-term results.
The advances in dental technology have made treating children with openbites much easier and more realistic. Even though children will need early intervention, treatments are more comfortable, shorter in duration, and will make it less likely for more involved future treatments.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children in for an orthodontic analysis as early as age 7. Early treatment can prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw. Dr. Izadi can help children stop the myofunctional habits that create openbites. Phased treatment and early intervention can prevent developmental speech issues and avoid damage to the bite and jaw.
Openbite FAQs
What is an openbite?
When the top and bottom arch of teeth do not make contact with each other, this is called an openbite.
Can I fix an openbite as an adult?
An openbite can be treated at any age. However, treating an openbite as young as possible can help prevent complications with speech development and facial growth.
Dr. Izadi offers two-phase treatment options for children with openbites to prevent future oral health complications.
What are the treatment options for an openbite?
Treatment to correct an openbite may vary depending on how the teeth are aligned. 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 openbite?
When correcting an openbite, the length of the treatment relies on the specifics of your situation. Treatment may last anywhere from 12-4 months.
How do you stop an openbite from relapse?
Relapse during the retention phase after correcting an openbite is not uncommon. In order to prevent this we commonly give patients clear aligners and elastics to wear at night.
Is openbite genetic?
Having an openbite can be inherited genetically but it can also be caused by functional issues. When a child is young, an openbite can be produced by the teething process as they move from primary to permanent molars.
Treatment Options for Openbite
All treatment plans are personalized to the orthodontic needs of each patient. 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.