Key Takeaways
- An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not touch properly when the mouth is closed.
- Open bites are classified by location (anterior, posterior, or complete) and cause (dental, skeletal, transitional, or iatrogenic).
- Common causes include oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, improper tooth eruption, and abnormal jaw growth.
- Leaving an open bite untreated can lead to speech issues, difficulty chewing, uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and aesthetic concerns.
- Early orthodontic treatment, especially during childhood, can simplify correction, but effective options are also available for adults, including braces, Invisalign, and, in severe cases, surgery.
What is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the teeth in the upper and lower jaws do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can happen if the teeth are missing or if they are misaligned. An open bite can also be caused by habits like thumb sucking.
Open bites can make it difficult to eat and speak properly. They can also cause gum problems and tooth wear. Treatment for an open bite varies depending on the severity and cause of the condition, but may include braces or surgery.
What are the Different Types of Open Bite?
An open bite is generally classified based on where the gap occurs when the teeth are closed and what causes the condition. The three main types by location are anterior, posterior, and complete open bite. These can be further categorized by whether the issue is dental, skeletal, or temporary in nature.
Types of Open Bite by Location
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Anterior Open Bite
An anterior open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth fail to touch when the mouth is closed, creating a visible gap at the front. The back teeth usually come together normally. This is the most common form of open bite and often affects speech and biting into food.
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Posterior Open Bite
A posterior open bite affects the back teeth, meaning the upper and lower molars do not make contact. In this case, the front teeth may still meet properly. Posterior open bites are less common and can make chewing difficult.
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Complete Open Bite
A complete open bite is a more severe condition where the gap extends across the entire dental arch. Both the front and back teeth fail to touch, significantly impacting function, aesthetics, and overall oral health.
Types of Open Bite by Cause
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Dental Open Bite
This type is caused by dental factors rather than jaw structure. Common reasons include delayed or improper tooth eruption and oral habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting.
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Skeletal Open Bite
A skeletal open bite results from abnormal jaw growth patterns, often involving excessive vertical growth of the lower jaw. This can lead to a long facial appearance and usually requires more complex orthodontic or surgical treatment.
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Transitional Open Bite
A transitional open bite occurs temporarily during childhood as permanent teeth erupt. In many cases, it resolves naturally as the jaw develops and teeth settle into place.
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Iatrogenic Open Bite
An iatrogenic open bite is an unintended result of orthodontic treatment. It may occur due to improper force application or treatment planning. It typically requires corrective orthodontic adjustments.
Types of Open Bites
| Type | Description | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Open Bite | Teeth fail to erupt properly due to gum or jaw interference, leading to irregular molar development and a lack of upper/lower contact. | Localized to teeth without skeletal issues; treatable with orthodontics. |
| Anterior Open Bite | Front upper and lower teeth do not overlap or touch, creating a gap when the mouth is closed. | Often linked to habits or dental issues, posterior teeth may occlude. |
| Skeletal Open Bite | Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws causes facial growth defects, such as long-face syndrome. | Involves jaw discrepancies; it may require surgery alongside orthodontics. |
| Posterior Open Bite | Back teeth (molars/premolars) fail to meet despite possible front tooth contact, forcing hard biting. | Affects buccal segments; treatments strengthen posterior teeth. |
Why You Should Always Treat an Open Bite?
An untreated open bite can affect multiple aspects of oral health and overall quality of life. Common issues associated with open bite include:
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1. Speech Difficulties
An open bite can disrupt proper tongue placement, making it harder to pronounce certain sounds. Many people develop speech issues such as a lisp, which can impact communication and self-confidence.
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2. Aesthetic Concerns
Because the front teeth do not meet properly, teeth may appear protruded or misaligned. This can affect facial balance and lead to dissatisfaction with one’s smile.
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3. Excessive Tooth Wear and Damage
When the front teeth don’t touch, the back teeth often take on more pressure during chewing. Over time, this uneven force can cause enamel wear, jaw discomfort, and even cracked or fractured teeth.
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4. Difficulty Eating and Chewing
An open bite can make it challenging to bite into foods or chew efficiently. This may limit food choices and contribute to digestive discomfort due to poorly chewed meals.
If you are interested in learning more about an open bite and how it can be treated, please get in touch with our practice for a free first consultation. Treatment methods vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. It may include braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or oral surgery.
One may be a better option for you than the others.
At Thurman Orthodontics, our goal is to provide you with the best oral health care available. We look forward to meeting you and helping you with your problems!
FAQs About Open Bite
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How do you tell if you have an open bite?
The most noticeable sign of an open bite is a visible gap between the upper and lower teeth when your mouth is fully closed. This gap often appears in the front teeth but can also affect the back teeth. Other common signs include difficulty biting into food, speech issues like a lisp, mouth breathing, and subtle facial changes such as a longer-looking face or a less defined chin.
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What’s the best age to fix an open bite?
The ideal time to treat an open bite is during childhood or early adolescence, when the jaw is still developing. Early orthodontic intervention can guide jaw growth, correct harmful habits, and reduce the need for complex treatment later. That said, open bite can still be effectively treated in adults using braces, aligners, or other advanced orthodontic solutions.
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How serious is an open bite?
An open bite can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. If left untreated, it can lead to speech problems, difficulty chewing, excessive tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and even cracked or fractured teeth. Over time, these issues may worsen and affect both oral health and overall quality of life.
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Can an open bite go away on its own?
In young children, a temporary open bite may correct itself as permanent teeth erupt and the jaw continues to grow, especially if harmful habits like thumb sucking stop early. However, most open bites in teens and adults do not resolve without orthodontic treatment and may worsen over time if left untreated.
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Why have I developed an open bite as an adult?
An open bite can develop in adulthood due to factors such as tongue thrusting, untreated childhood habits, jaw growth patterns, missing teeth, or even changes following orthodontic treatment. In some cases, shifts in jaw position or muscle function over time can also contribute to the development of an adult open bite.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.