Open bites are a condition that affects patients of all ages, many of which might not know that solutions are right around the corner. Today, Thacker Orthodontics will let you know: How does orthodontics fix open bites?
What’s an Open Bite?
You may be more familiar with overbites or underbites, but there are two main types of open bites that Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan addresses:
- Anterior Open Bite: When front teeth (aka incisors) don’t touch while the back teeth are closed, this leaves a gap between the upper and lower front teeth. It’s often most noticeable when you bite down or smile.
- Posterior Open Bite: Conversely, this occurs when your back teeth (aka molars) don’t come in contact with the front teeth, resulting in a gap between the lower and upper back teeth.
How Open Bites Form
Many open bites develop during early childhood, either through habitual behaviors or courtesy of genetic factors beyond your control.
- Thumb-Sucking: This is one of the most common causes of bite issues in general. Too much thumb-sucking can force the front teeth too far forward and produce an open bite.
- Pacifier Use: Likewise, overuse of pacifiers past the toddler age can similarly cause misalignment. It’s important to try and discontinue pacifier use in kids around 2-4 years of age. Trying to wean around 18 months is also helpful.
- Inherited Jaw Structure: Some individuals are born with jaw structures that naturally lead them to have open bites.
- Family History: Open bites can be hereditary. If a parent or close relative has had an open bite, there is a higher likelihood of it recurring genetically.
- Tongue Thrusting: When the tongue presses against the front teeth during speaking, swallowing, or at rest, this pressure can gradually push the teeth outward over time, causing an open bite.
- Trauma or Injury: Fractures or damage to the mouth, teeth, or jaw may heal in a way that leaves patients with an open bite when they didn’t have one previously.
- Tooth Eruption Problems: Teeth that do not erupt properly during childhood or fail to erupt at all can result in gaps and misalignment.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders directly affect the alignment and function of your jaw, which can either produce or drastically worsen an open bite.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Some neuromuscular conditions will affect muscle control in the face and jaw of patients. This can lead to an open bite due to abnormal movements or positioning of the jaw and tongue.
How Our Doctors Can Help
The awesome news is that Thacker Orthodontics offers a variety of bespoke solutions to address open bites, all tailored specifically to you by our expert team.
- Traditional Braces: Metal or clear braces use brackets attached to the teeth and connected by wires. These braces apply steady pressure to gradually close the gap caused by an open bite.
- Clear Aligners: Invisalign and Invisalign Teen is a treatment process that uses custom-made plastic trays to intentionally shift your teeth. You wear your trays daily and replace them every one to two weeks with a new set.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): This is a tool we use to apply additional pressure, attached to the brackets or clear aligners. They help to move teeth into the correct position and close the vertical gap in an open bite.
- Behavioral Therapy: For open bites caused by behaviors such as tongue thrusting, we can work with speech therapists or other specialists who offer behavioral therapy. This helps patients learn new techniques to break habits that contribute to having an open bite, which can be particularly important for children.
- Orthognathic Surgery: For severe cases, especially in adults, surgery may be required to resolve jaw alignment. Orthognathic surgery is typically combined with some orthodontic treatment for optimal results.
- Retainers: After active treatment concludes, retention begins. Retainers are crucial to maintaining your results, as they help keep the teeth in their new position and make the open bite unlikely to recur.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Since everyone’s anatomy is unique, our team at Thacker Orthodontics makes a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This can often involve combining the methods we mentioned above for a successful treatment outcome for you and/or your child.
Making Smart Moves
Bite issues like open bites can be an issue both functionally and for your self-confidence. Fortunately, our two incredible doctors offer a variety of treatment options to find the best solution. Our amazing offices in Cincinnati and Hillsboro are thrilled to provide you with all the assistance you could need!