Have you ever heard of an open bite? This condition can affect patients of all ages, especially our younger patients. Today, Mack Orthodontics will let you know: How does orthodontics fix open bites?
What is an Open Bite?
You may be more familiar with overbites or underbites, but there are two main types of open bites that Dr. Mack addresses:
- Anterior Open Bite: This occurs when the front teeth (incisors) don’t meet when the back teeth are together, leaving a gap between the upper and lower front teeth. This type of open bite is usually most noticeable when you smile or bite down.
- Posterior Open Bite: This type occurs when the back teeth (molars) don’t meet when the front teeth are together, creating a gap between the upper and lower back teeth.
How Open Bites Occur
There are a few developmental and habitual reasons for open bites, which mostly occur in early childhood.
- Thumb-Sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking during childhood can push the front teeth forward and disrupt their 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 shift out of alignment.
- Family History: Open bites can be hereditary, so if a parent or close relative has had an open bite, there’s a higher chance it could be passed on genetically.
- Tongue Thrusting: This occurs when the tongue presses against the front teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. Over time, this pressure can push the teeth outward, resulting in an open bite.
- 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 develop at different rates, it can lead to misalignment.
- Trauma or Injury: A severe injury to the face or jaw can affect tooth alignment and the bite at any age. If the jaw is fractured or damaged, it may heal in a way that causes an open bite.
- Tooth Eruption Problems: Sometimes, teeth may not erupt in the correct position, or some may not erupt at all, leading to gaps and misalignment.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders can contribute to or worsen an open bite by affecting the alignment and function of the jaw.
- 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 positioning of the jaw and tongue.
How We Can Help
The great news is that Mack Orthodontics offers you various solutions to address open bites. All of these are tailored to you personally by our team and Dr. Mack!
- Traditional Braces: Metal or LightForce clear braces consist of brackets attached to the teeth and connected with wires. These braces apply consistent pressure to close the gap created by an open bite gradually.
- Clear Aligners: Invisalign and Spark use custom-made plastic trays to gradually shift your teeth. These aligners are worn daily and replaced every one to two weeks with a new set that progressively adjusts the teeth.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): Attached to the brackets or clear aligners, these elastics provide additional pressure to help move teeth into the correct position, particularly effective for closing the vertical gap in an open bite.
- Orthognathic Surgery: In more severe cases, especially for adult patients, surgery may be necessary to correct jaw alignment. Orthognathic surgery is typically combined with orthodontic treatment for optimal results. We are proud to regularly offer referrals for this type of treatment in our office.
- Behavioral Therapy: For open bites caused by habits like tongue thrusting, we may collaborate with speech therapists or other specialists to provide behavioral therapy. This helps patients learn new swallowing techniques or break habits contributing to the open bite, especially in children.
- Retainers: After correcting an open bite, retainers are essential to maintain the results. They help keep the teeth in their new position and prevent the open bite from reoccurring.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Every open bite is unique, so our team at Mack Orthodontics invents a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. This plan may involve combining the above methods to achieve the best outcome for you or your child.
Bridging the Gap
Conditions like open bites can be challenging both functionally and for self-esteem reasons. As you can see, there are lots of treatment methods the Mack Orthodontics team offers to help this issue. Our two offices in Burlington or Hillsborough are here to help you on your journey to a healthier smile!