Open Bites Are Roadblocks To The Perfect Smile!

Patients often feel self-conscious about their open bite, but the discomfort it causes can have a real effect on their physical well-being. Over time, an extreme open bite can even harm your jaw joints and ligaments.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect smile or just looking to relieve the pain from open bite teeth, Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists is here to help. Our team of experienced specialists has tackled open bite cases of all kinds, from the smallest gap to the most severe alignment issues.

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What Is An Open Bite?

If you’ve been experiencing jaw or tooth pain, you may have come across the term “open bite” in your search for the cause. It sounds a bit weird, right? You aren’t alone if you’re sitting there wondering, “What is an open bite?”

An open bite is a malocclusion, or bite problem, that occurs when a patient’s upper and lower teeth don’t touch when their mouth is closed. Normally, rows of teeth rest on each other. Open bite misalignment is when the upper or lower teeth don’t rest on the opposite row, creating a gap.

Even without pain, the different types of open bite can create other problems for your jaw and teeth. It’s recommended to seek treatment for an open bite as soon as possible, meaning treatments ideally start during childhood.

Anterior/Front Teeth Open Bites

An anterior open bite is defined as a gap or overlap between the front upper and lower rows of teeth when chewing and biting down. Anterior open bites are the most common form of open bite malocclusions. They’re also the most noticeable, often causing patients to feel more self-conscious of their smile than someone experiencing a posterior open bite.

Posterior/Back Teeth Open Bites

A posterior open bite occurs when the upper and lower rows of teeth in the back of the mouth don’t touch when the front ones do. While less noticeable than an anterior open bite, posterior cases may be more painful due to their proximity to joints and ligaments in the jaw and face.

Causes of Open Bites.

Open bite malocclusions can be caused by a variety of factors. Some are behavioral, meaning you can change personal habits and practices to improve your teeth alignment.

However, many open bites are caused by issues beyond your control, such as genetics or oral injury. Changing your habits won’t correct a genetically induced open bite, no matter how hard you try. Here are some of the most common causes of anterior and posterior open bites:

Abnormal jaw growth
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TJD or TMJ)
Thumb sucking
Teeth grinding
Pacifier sucking past infancy

Bottle feeding during tooth growth
Jaw or oral injury
Tongue thrusting
Narrow Palate
Airway / Breathing and Snoring Concerns

Can Braces Fix An Open Bite?

While you might be feeling a bit discouraged about your malocclusion, braces are an excellent open bite treatment to consider. Every year, thousands of patients choose braces to treat their malocclusion.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you talk to an orthopedic surgeon about getting braces. The cause of a patient’s open bite is often the deciding factor when determining the right treatment option. Every patient is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t help anyone.

Braces for Minor/Moderate Open Bite Cases

Braces are the primary treatment employed to correct minor or moderate open bite cases, especially in children and young adults. These are open bites caused solely by teeth misalignment, meaning the patient’s teeth haven’t grown correctly. Braces take advantage of wires, elastics, and brackets to slowly correct a patient’s tooth alignment. Tightening the braces every so often slowly straightens the patient’s teeth, shrinking the malocclusion gap in the process. Speak to your orthodontist about braces if you have a minor open bite. They’re often the least invasive and most effective treatment available.

Braces for Moderate/Severe Open Bite Cases

Skeletal problems in the jaw are often the culprit in severe open bite cases. Since braces only correct teeth alignment, orthodontists commonly recommend more intensive treatment.

If you have a severe open bite, meaning one that is caused by jaw problems rather than teeth misalignment, braces might not be a viable treatment option on their own. Combined with surgery, however, braces could be the best supplementary treatment in the long run.

How Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists Can Help With Open Bite Treatments.

At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, our team is ready to treat your open bite, whether minor or severe. We’ll provide a clear treatment plan to correct your teeth and jaw alignment. We understand the challenges of an open bite, both physically and mentally, and offer a comfortable, patient-friendly environment. Our dedicated orthodontic professionals and support team are here to guide you through every step of the process, from scheduling to aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Does Open Bite Affect My Speech?

Not always, but open bites can indeed affect your speech. Depending on the gap’s size, an open bite can make it difficult for patients to pronounce certain words. The most common speech impediment caused by an open bite is a lisp.

Can I Still Eat Normally With an Open Bite?

Many people with open bites believe their chew is perfectly fine, and they very well might be. However, open bites can cause you to adjust how you move your jaw, even if you’re unaware of such adjustments. This can result in food getting stuck in your teeth and even pain in the jaw, mouth, and head. While you might be used to it, the reality is that your open bite is probably affecting how you eat.

How Long Does Open Bite Treatment Take?

On average, braces treatment for an open bite can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months. For more severe cases, a patient might have to wear

Is Invisalign Effective for Treating My Open Bite?

The answer is Yes. Invisalign is a popular treatment for mild open bite cases. They’re less invasive than braces and less visible, too. However, most open bite cases do require braces. You’ll have to speak with an orthodontist to determine which route is best for you.

What Is the Cost of an Open Bite Treatment?

can vary greatly depending on the severity of the case and the type(s) of treatment needed to correct the issue. Braces and Invisalign can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, while corrective surgery can cost thousands more.