At Garlington Orthodontics, we want our Long Beach patients to be informed about any dental issues they may encounter. Information goes a long way in benefiting your oral health and wellness. If you have orthodontic concerns like an open bite, we are here to guide you through your treatment options. An open bite is a common orthodontic issue that affects many people.
An open bite can impact the function and appearance of teeth, leading to difficulties with chewing, speech, and overall oral health. Understanding an open bite is the first step toward seeking the right treatment and achieving a properly aligned smile. We want to help our patients get a healthy and beautiful smile.
What is an Open Bite?
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don’t make contact when biting down, leaving a noticeable gap between them. The gap can vary in size and severity, ranging from a slight opening to a much bigger gap that affects the entire front of the mouth.
If you have an open bite, you can experience various issues. They can range from functional to aesthetic problems. Because your mouth needs teeth to touch and a certain alignment, an open bite can cause many problems.
The gap between the front teeth can make it hard to bite and chew food properly. Typically, this can cause difficulties in eating certain foods. An open bite may also affect speech patterns, causing issues with your speech and clarity.
Without the protection provided by the front teeth, other teeth may experience excessive wear and tear. Unfortunately, this can raise the risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay and enamel erosion. An open bite can sometimes contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Common Causes for an Open Bite
There is no one set cause for an open bite. Generally, it depends on your genetics and childhood habits. Genetics often plays a big role in jaw and teeth alignment. Those with a family history of open bite may be more likely to develop the condition. For others, underlying skeletal abnormalities, jaw size, or position may lead to the effect of an open bite.
Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, particularly during early childhood, can exert pressure on the teeth and jaws, leading to misalignment over time. Similarly, using pacifiers or other oral appliances can interfere with proper dental development, increasing the risk of an open bite.
Treatment Options in Long Beach, CA
At Garlington Orthodontics, several options are available to treat your open bite.
Orthodontic Intervention: Orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners, may be recommended to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment. This will also close the gap between the front teeth.
Surgery: In cases where underlying skeletal abnormalities cause the open bite, surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaws and achieve a proper bite relationship.
Behavioral Change: For those whose open bite is related to habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, behavior changes can help break these habits. Over time, this will encourage proper oral function.
Early detection and intervention can help address an open bite and prevent complications. Furthermore, if we have access to your oral issues sooner, we can better provide treatment and intervene before your issues cause other problems.
Open Bite FAQs
An open bite has many impacts on your oral health and self-esteem. Below, you can learn more from these commonly asked questions.
What is the difference between an open bite and an overbite?
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch at all, leaving a visible space between them. In contrast, an overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower front teeth. Both are types of malocclusion, but require different treatment approaches. Dr. Garlington can determine which condition you have and recommend the appropriate correction method.
Are there different types of open bites?
Yes, there are two main types of open bites: dental and skeletal. A dental open bite is caused by misaligned teeth, while a skeletal open bite results from abnormal jawbone growth. Skeletal open bites are typically more severe and may require surgical correction in addition to orthodontic treatment. Understanding the type of open bite helps your orthodontist design an effective, personalized treatment plan.
Can an open bite fix itself as a child grows?
In some mild cases, an open bite caused by temporary habits, such as thumb sucking, may improve once the habit stops and the jaw continues to grow. However, most open bites do not correct themselves without professional treatment. If left untreated, they can worsen over time and become more complex to fix in adulthood. Early orthodontic evaluation ensures proper monitoring and timely intervention.
How long does it take to fix an open bite?
The treatment time for an open bite depends on its severity and the method used. Mild cases corrected with aligners or braces may take 12 to 24 months, while more complex skeletal cases may require a longer treatment plan. Early intervention in children often shortens the treatment time significantly. Dr. Garlington will provide a customized timeline after evaluating your specific condition.
Can an open bite cause facial changes?
Yes, a noticeable open bite can alter facial appearance, especially in more severe cases. It can make the lower face appear longer, and the lips may not close comfortably at rest. These changes can affect both function and confidence. Correcting an open bite often enhances facial balance, providing both aesthetic and functional improvement.
What happens if I don’t treat an open bite?
If left untreated, an open bite can lead to several long-term issues, including tooth wear, jaw pain, and speech problems. It can also make chewing difficult and affect digestion since food is not properly broken down before swallowing. Over time, untreated open bites can worsen and may require more invasive treatments later. Correcting the problem early can save time, money, and discomfort.