An open bite is a dental condition where the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed. This can occur in the front of the mouth, leaving a gap between the upper and lower front teeth, or less commonly, in the back. Many people wonder if orthodontic treatments, specifically braces, can effectively correct this type of misalignment. This article explores how braces address open bites and discusses other potential approaches to achieve proper dental alignment.
Understanding Open Bite
An open bite occurs when some of the upper and lower teeth fail to meet when the jaws are closed. This condition is categorized into two types: anterior open bite and posterior open bite. An anterior open bite involves a vertical gap between the front upper and lower teeth. A posterior open bite involves a lack of contact between the back teeth.
The development of an open bite can stem from various factors. Common causes include persistent oral habits during childhood, such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use. A tongue thrust, where the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth during swallowing or speaking, is another factor. Skeletal growth patterns also play a role, as certain jawbone configurations can lead to an open bite. Genetic predispositions can contribute to these skeletal discrepancies.
Braces as a Solution for Open Bite
Braces are an orthodontic treatment that applies pressure to teeth, moving them into desired positions. To correct an open bite, the goal is to encourage eruption of teeth that are not making contact or to intrude over-erupted teeth. Braces target the vertical dimension of the bite. They guide teeth and sometimes jaw bones into better alignment.
Vertical elastics, or rubber bands, are often used with braces. They stretch between brackets on the upper and lower arches, applying vertical force to close the gap. Bite turbos, small ramps placed on certain teeth, are another technique. They prevent back teeth from fully contacting, allowing front teeth to erupt and close the open bite.
For complex cases, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) may be used with braces. TADs are tiny implants placed into the bone, providing a stable anchor point to apply precise forces. This allows for controlled tooth movement, such as intruding posterior teeth to close an anterior open bite. Braces are most effective for open bites caused by dental issues, such as misaligned teeth or habits affecting tooth eruption, rather than severe skeletal discrepancies.
Beyond Braces: Additional Approaches
While braces are effective for many open bite cases, some situations require additional interventions or alternative treatments. Braces alone might not be sufficient when the open bite stems from severe skeletal discrepancies, meaning an imbalance in jaw growth. Persistent oral habits, such as a strong tongue thrust, can also hinder brace success. These issues require a comprehensive approach for stable results.
Adjunctive therapies address open bite causes that braces cannot directly correct. Myofunctional therapy, for instance, focuses on retraining face and mouth muscles, beneficial for correcting a tongue thrust. It involves exercises to improve tongue posture and swallowing patterns. Habit cessation strategies are also crucial for ongoing habits like thumb sucking, as breaking them is essential for successful treatment and preventing relapse.
For severe open bite cases with significant skeletal imbalances, orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, may be considered. This procedure corrects jaw position, providing a stable foundation for teeth. Surgery is reserved for adult patients whose jaw growth is complete and whose open bite cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone. The decision for surgery follows careful evaluation of the open bite’s skeletal and dental components.
What to Expect: The Treatment Process and Aftercare
The journey to correct an open bite with braces begins with a consultation with an orthodontist. The orthodontist conducts an examination, including dental impressions, X-rays, and photographs. This diagnostic information allows for assessment of the open bite’s type and causes. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed, outlining specific orthodontic appliances and techniques.
Once treatment begins, regular adjustments are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks to ensure correct forces. Patients might experience some discomfort or soreness after adjustments, but this subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Treatment duration varies, often ranging from 18 to 36 months, depending on severity and patient adherence. Consistent wear of elastics, if prescribed, is important for successful open bite correction.
After braces are removed, the retention phase begins. This stage maintains the corrected bite and prevents relapse. Retainers, removable or fixed, hold teeth in their new positions while surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. Consistent use of retainers as directed by the orthodontist is important for long-term stability and preventing the open bite’s return.