An open bite is a distinct form of dental misalignment where the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed. This condition extends beyond cosmetic appearance, often affecting various oral functions.
Understanding What an Open Bite Is
An open bite is a type of malocclusion where a vertical gap exists between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. In an ideal bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, allowing for proper function. With an open bite, a visible space remains, preventing the teeth from meeting.
This condition can manifest in different ways depending on the affected teeth. An anterior open bite, the most commonly recognized type, occurs when the front upper and lower teeth do not touch. Conversely, a posterior open bite involves a lack of contact between the back teeth, which can impair chewing function. Open bites can also be classified as skeletal, stemming from jaw growth abnormalities, or dental, primarily involving tooth positioning.
Key Contributing Factors
Several factors can contribute to the development of an open bite, ranging from childhood habits to underlying skeletal influences. Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can exert pressure on developing teeth and jaws, pushing them out of alignment. Tongue thrusting, an atypical swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes against the front teeth, can also lead to this misalignment. Mouth breathing, a habit that can alter jaw development, is another factor associated with open bites.
Skeletal open bites arise from abnormal jaw growth patterns, where the upper and lower jaws grow apart. Genetic predispositions can influence these jaw growth abnormalities, making some individuals more susceptible to developing an open bite. In some cases, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also lead to an open bite as individuals may reposition their jaw to alleviate pain.
How Open Bite Affects Oral Health and Function
An open bite can lead to a range of challenges that impact daily oral functions. Difficulty with speech is a common concern, as the gap between the teeth can make it hard to produce certain sounds, potentially leading to a lisp or other speech impediments. Biting and chewing food also become more difficult, particularly for foods that require the front teeth to incise.
The uneven distribution of biting forces can result in excessive wear on the teeth that make contact. This premature wear can lead to discomfort and other dental problems. The altered bite can place increased stress on the jaw joints, potentially contributing to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The visible gap can also lead to aesthetic concerns.
Effective Ways to Address Open Bite
Addressing an open bite begins with a comprehensive dental examination, which may include X-rays and other imaging techniques to assess tooth and jaw structures. This diagnostic process helps determine the type and severity of the open bite and its underlying cause. Treatment approaches are tailored to the individual’s age, the cause of the open bite, and its extent.
For younger patients where habits are a contributing factor, habit correction therapies are often the first step. This may involve specialized appliances, such as tongue cribs, to discourage habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Orthodontic treatments include traditional braces or clear aligners, which gradually reposition teeth to close the gap.
Specialized orthodontic appliances, like functional appliances or headgear, may also be used to modify jaw growth, particularly in growing patients. In more severe cases, especially those involving significant skeletal discrepancies in adults, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be recommended in conjunction with orthodontics. This surgical procedure involves repositioning the jawbones for proper alignment and bite closure.