The question of how long it takes to fix an open bite is highly dependent on the root cause of the misalignment. An open bite is a form of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not vertically overlap when the mouth is closed, leaving a distinct gap between the biting surfaces. This lack of contact prevents proper chewing and can affect speech. Because the underlying issue can range from a simple habit to a complex jaw structure problem, there is no single answer for treatment duration.
Differentiating Dental and Skeletal Open Bites
Treatment duration is primarily determined by whether the open bite is classified as dental or skeletal in origin. A dental open bite is caused by localized factors that specifically affect the positioning of the teeth, such as prolonged thumb-sucking, chronic tongue thrusting, or issues with tooth eruption. This type of open bite is generally considered less complex because the underlying jaw structure is normally positioned.
A skeletal open bite, by contrast, involves a discrepancy in the growth and alignment of the jawbones themselves. This often results from an excessive vertical growth pattern in the face, which causes the jaws to diverge instead of growing parallel. Since the problem is rooted in the bone structure, this classification typically requires a more intensive and lengthier treatment approach.
Estimated Treatment Timelines by Approach
The estimated time required for correction varies significantly depending on the chosen treatment modality. For cases stemming from minor habits or localized dental issues, the timeline is the shortest.
Non-Surgical Timelines
Simple habit correction, such as eliminating thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting through the use of an appliance like a palatal crib, can lead to self-correction of the bite in a relatively short period. In young children, addressing the habit can allow the teeth to naturally reposition themselves within six months to one and a half years. For more established dental open bites that require comprehensive tooth movement, the timeline extends considerably.
Standard orthodontic treatment using fixed braces or clear aligners typically requires between one and a half to three years to achieve full bite closure. This length of time is necessary to move the teeth into their correct vertical and horizontal positions, often involving techniques like posterior tooth intrusion to close the gap. The specific mechanics used, such as the application of vertical elastics or the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs), can influence the efficiency of this phase.
Surgical Timelines
The longest and most complex timelines are reserved for severe skeletal open bites that require orthognathic surgery, which involves repositioning the jawbones. This process is divided into three distinct phases. The pre-surgical orthodontic phase, where braces are used to align the teeth so they fit together perfectly once the jaws are moved, can take between one to two years.
The surgery itself is a single event, but it is followed by a recovery period. A final, post-surgical orthodontic phase is then necessary to fine-tune the bite, which usually lasts an additional six to twelve months. The total active treatment time for a patient undergoing surgical correction can therefore easily exceed three years from the start of the pre-surgical phase.
Individual Factors Influencing Duration
The broad ranges in treatment estimates are due to several patient-specific factors that modify the rate of tooth movement and the predictability of bone response. Patient age is a significant determinant, as treatment is generally faster and more predictable in children and adolescents who are still growing. In a growing patient, the orthodontist can harness and modify natural growth patterns to achieve correction, a luxury not available in adults.
The initial severity and complexity of the open bite also play a major role in the duration of treatment. A larger vertical gap or the presence of other accompanying malocclusions will invariably require more time to resolve. Furthermore, a patient’s compliance is paramount, particularly with clear aligner therapy or when using elastics, which require consistent wear. Failing to follow instructions regarding appliance wear can directly prolong the overall treatment time.
The Importance of the Retention Phase
The retention phase is a necessary commitment to maintain the corrected bite. Open bites have a higher tendency for relapse compared to other malocclusions, meaning the teeth can drift back toward their original open position. This is often due to persistent muscular forces from the tongue or the resumption of unfavorable oral habits.
Retention involves wearing fixed retainers, which are small wires bonded to the back of the teeth, or removable retainers. Due to the inherent instability of open bite correction, the retention protocol is typically required long-term, often indefinitely. This long-term commitment prevents the previous active treatment time from being wasted.