Have you ever heard of an open bite? This condition can affect patients of all ages, especially kids. Today, Innovative Orthodontics will let you know: How does orthodontics fix open bites?
What is an Open Bite?
You might be more familiar with overbites or underbites—but there are two primary types of open bites that Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton address:
- Anterior Open Bite: This type of open bite occurs when the front teeth (aka incisors) don’t touch when the back teeth are together, leaving a gap between the upper and lower front teeth. This type of open bite is often most noticeable when you smile or bite down.
- Posterior Open Bite: This happens when your back teeth (molars) don’t touch when your front teeth are together, creating a gap between the upper and lower back teeth.
How Open Bites Happen
There are a few developmental and habitual causes for open bites, which mostly occur in early childhood.
- Thumb-Sucking: Excessive thumb-sucking during childhood can force the front teeth forward and disrupt tooth alignment, leading to an open bite.
- Pacifier Use: Extended use of pacifiers beyond the toddler years can have a similar effect as thumb-sucking, causing the teeth to move out of alignment.
- Tongue Thrusting: This occurs when the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. Over time, this pressure can force the teeth outwards, creating an open bite.
- Family History: Open bites can run in families, so if a parent or close relative has had an open bite, it’s more likely that it will be passed on genetically.
- Inherited Jaw Structure: Some individuals are born with jaw structures that naturally predispose them to an open bite. For example, if the upper and lower jaws happen to develop at different rates, it can result in misalignment that results in an open bite.
- Tooth Eruption Problems: Sometimes, teeth may not erupt in an ideal position, or some teeth may not erupt at all, leading to gaps and misalignment.
- Trauma or Injury: A severe injury to the face or jaw can affect the alignment of the teeth and the bite at any age. If the jaw is fractured or damaged, it may heal in a way that causes an open bite.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders can cause or worsen an open bite by affecting the jaw’s alignment and function.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Certain neuromuscular conditions can impact muscle control in the face and jaw, potentially leading to an open bite due to abnormal movements or the jaw and tongue being positioned in a certain way.
How Orthodontics Can Help
The good news is that there are a variety of ways we can resolve this condition at Innovative Orthodontics.
- Traditional Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets are attached to the teeth and linked together with wires. These braces gradually close the gap created by an open bite by applying consistent pressure.
- Clear Aligners: Invisalign uses custom-made plastic trays to move your teeth. These aligners are worn daily and are replaced every one to two weeks with a new set that adjusts the teeth over time.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): These elastics are hooked onto the brackets or clear aligners and help move teeth into the correct position by applying additional pressure when needed. They are particularly effective at closing the vertical gap in an open-bite scenario.
- Orthognathic Surgery: In more severe cases, especially in adult patients, surgery may be required to correct the alignment of the jaw. Orthognathic surgery is typically combined with orthodontic treatment to achieve the best results.
- Behavioral Therapy: For open bites caused by habits like tongue thrusting, we may work in conjunction with speech therapists or other specialists to provide behavioral therapy. This therapy allows patients to learn new swallowing techniques or break habits that contribute to the open bite, which can be especially helpful for children.
- Retainers: After an open bite is corrected, retainers are critical to maintain the results. They keep the teeth in their new position and prevent the open bite from returning.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Each open bite is unique to the patient, so our team at Innovative Orthodontics creates a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs. This treatment plan can involve a combination of the above methods to achieve the best outcome for you or your child.
Closing the Gap
Conditions like open bites can be debilitating functionally, as well as difficult in terms of self-esteem. But as you can tell, hope is far from lost! We have three incredible offices here in Georgia that are excited to serve you: Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler. Come see us soon!