Everything You Need to Know About Open Bites

Open bites are roadblocks to the perfect smile that no one wants to deal with. Not only do patients often feel self-conscious of 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 Ortho 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.

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 teeth growth
Jaw or oral injury
Tongue thrusting
Narrow Palate
Airway / Breathing and Snoring Concerns

No matter what the cause of your open bite, there is a treatment path forward for you with Atlanta Ortho.

Open Bite Treatment Options

There are a few recommended treatment options for an open bite. Depending on the type and severity of your misalignment, our specialists might recommend a variety of options catered to fit your unique goals.

Minor open bites might only require braces or Invisalign to correct anterior and posterior alignment. Patients might also benefit from behavioral therapy designed to stop open bite-causing habits such as thumb sucking or teeth grinding.

Orthodontic professionals may recommend that younger moderate/severe open bite patients take advantage of mechanical gear such as vertical-pull chin cups, headgear, or palate expanders. These can guide the patient’s jaw growth, align teeth, and correct the malocclusion over time.

Adult patients typically require more invasive treatment because their jaw is no longer growing. Severe treatment options generally include jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, along with braces or a retainer to correct improper tooth alignment.

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 teeth 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 oftentimes 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 Ortho Can Help with Open Bite Treatments in Atlanta

The professionals here at Atlanta Ortho are ready and available to treat your minor or severe open bite. No matter the cause, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan and break down exactly how we plan to correct your teeth and jaw alignment.

We know dealing with an open bite can be hard, physically and mentally. While you might be stressing about treatment, we’re here to provide the most comfortable environment possible. Our patient-friendly environment is filled with earnest and hard-working orthodontic professionals ready to provide a detailed plan tailored to your needs.

While our expert orthodontists have spent years treating open bite patients, the rest of our team is also here to provide you with the best experience possible. From scheduling over the phone and checking in at the front desk, to sitting for an X-ray and going through your aftercare routine, everyone on our team is here for you.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t let your open bite take over your life. Everyone deserves a shot at the perfect smile, and your best shot is with Atlanta Ortho. From the front desk to the operating table, every one of our team members is here to help you on your journey to a better you.

Don’t wait, schedule your consultation with us today to receive leading orthodontic care in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Don’t Take Our Word for It, Listen to Our Happy Clients!

We can talk all day about how skilled and professional our orthodontic services are, but the only opinions that actually matter are those of our clients! Read on below to hear some of the glowing reviews our clients have left us over the years.

“Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists is a top-notch practice! Dr. Tyler Rathburn had a very difficult challenge with my daughter’s teeth/jaw alignment, but he has literally set her straight! He really took time to understand my daughter’s situation and form a treatment plan that led to successful alignment and less TMJ pain. So appreciative of his expertise and understanding of my daughter’s case! Thank you AOS!”

- Julie K

“Fantastic experience with AOS. Friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service from all whom I encountered with the practice. Very reasonably priced, especially for the area and level of care. Highly recommend!!”

- David Harding

“These guys are great!!! My Teeth used to be crooked and jammed together. Now they’re nice and straight. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. And Dr. Brady is a pleasure to work with. So thorough, so straightforward, so helpful.”

- David Woodsfellow

“Everyone at AOS is terrific! They make the whole process very easy, from scheduling to rarely waiting more than five minutes for an appointment. Most importantly, my child’s smile looks great!”

- Leslie Ritten

Open Bite FAQs

Questions about open bites? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about open bite malocclusions.

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?

Treatment time can vary depending on the severity of your open bite and the type of treatment it requires.

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 open bite braces for up to three years. However, severe cases requiring surgery can take even longer when accounting for recovery time.

Is Invisalign Effective for Treating My Open Bite?

Can Invisalign fix open bite teeth? 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?

Costs associated with open bite treatment in Atlanta 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.

Ask about EnvisionTEC at your next appointment

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Everything You Need to Know About Open Bites

What Is an Open Bite?

Anterior/Front Teeth Open Bites

Posterior/Back Teeth Open Bites

Causes of Open Bites

Open Bite Treatment Options

Can Braces Fix an Open Bite?

Braces for Minor/Moderate Open Bite Cases

Braces for Moderate/Severe Open Bite Cases

How Atlanta Ortho Can Help with Open Bite Treatments in Atlanta

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t Take Our Word for It, Listen to Our Happy Clients!

Open Bite FAQs

Ask about EnvisionTEC at your next appointment

Actions

Quick Links

Our Locations

HOWELL MILL

SANDY SPRINGS

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS

COLLEGE PARK

BUCKHEAD

MIDTOWN

Subscribe to our Newsletter

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Select Address

Everything You Need to Know About Open Bites

What Is an Open Bite?

Anterior/Front Teeth Open Bites

Posterior/Back Teeth Open Bites

Causes of Open Bites

Open Bite Treatment Options

Can Braces Fix an Open Bite?

Braces for Minor/Moderate Open Bite Cases

Braces for Moderate/Severe Open Bite Cases

How Atlanta Ortho Can Help with Open Bite Treatments in Atlanta

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t Take Our Word for It, Listen to Our Happy Clients!

Open Bite FAQs

Ask about EnvisionTEC at your next appointment

Actions

Quick Links

Our Locations

HOWELL MILL

SANDY SPRINGS

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS

COLLEGE PARK

BUCKHEAD

MIDTOWN

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Follow Us