If your teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth, you may have an open bite, which can lead to challenges like difficulty eating and reduced self-confidence if left untreated. The team at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics has the expertise and resources to effectively treat this condition.
We’ll help you understand open bites and how orthodontics can correct them. By learning about the available treatment options, you can make informed decisions and fully grasp the recommendations provided by our orthodontists.
Different Forms of Open Bites
An open bite is a type of malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. Here, your upper and lower teeth do not touch each other whenever you close your mouth. The kind of open bite you have depends on which teeth create a gap, which may be one of the following:
- Anterior Open Bite
In an anterior open bite (AOB), there is no contact and vertical overlap between your upper and lower incisor crowns during occlusion or when your jaws close and come together.
Anterior open bite (AOB) is often caused by habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use. These behaviors can push teeth out of alignment, leading to misalignment issues. The longer these habits persist, the more pronounced the open bite becomes.
- Posterior Open Bite
This type of open bite occurs when posterior teeth (molars and premolars) fail to touch their counterparts. Unlike anterior open bites often caused by childhood habits, POB are frequently traced to teeth that fail to erupt. This can be caused by an obstruction from their baby teeth or other bone developmental issues.
Early childhood evaluation can prevent posterior open bites in teenagers and adults. We offer a two-phase treatment for children and teens. We can capture problems early and guide the development of their teeth and jaws, preventing tooth eruption failures.
- Skeletal Open Bite
Skeletal open bites are usually caused by an irregularity in the structure and development of the jawbones instead of simply being a tooth alignment issue. Either the upper jaw (maxilla) or the lower jaw (mandible) do not grow correctly with each other.
- Dental Open Bite
This can be thought of as the opposite of a skeletal open bite. The anterior teeth do not touch but do not involve the skeletal tendencies. Patients with this condition have normal jaw growth and no visible facial deformity. It is often caused by tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking habits or having a larger-than-normal tongue (macroglossia).
While it’s easy to see and feel open bites, detecting this condition can be tricky. There are even situations where it feels normal. To check if you have an open bite that needs treatment, visit our offices in Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Clinton.
Orthodontic Treatments for Open Bites
With modern technology, open bites can be treated using various orthodontic, behavioral, and surgical techniques. At Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, Dr. Melissa L. Farrow and Dr. Jeremy Dewbre start with a thorough evaluation. We make accurate recommendations after assessing your medical history, smile goals, and lifestyle.
Possible treatments for open bites include the following:
Braces
Braces work by gradually moving your teeth into proper alignment using brackets, archwires, and elastics, effectively correcting most open bite cases. At Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, we offer both traditional metal braces and more discreet options. Traditional metal braces are especially durable and stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for individuals with active lifestyles who don’t mind the metal brackets and wires.
Ceramic or clear braces are a more discreet alternative to metal braces, blending seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth. Their smaller, rounded brackets also enhance comfort. However, it’s important to note that ceramic braces are more susceptible to cracking and staining compared to their metallic counterparts.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are made with clear thermoplastic material, making them virtually invisible. Additionally, these dental appliances are removable, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about food getting stuck or wires getting bent.
Clear aligners work similarly to braces by gradually shifting your teeth into alignment. However, this treatment involves wearing a series of custom-made aligners instead of brackets and wires. Each aligner is worn for a specific period before moving on to the next one in the series, progressively guiding your teeth into the desired position.
Habit Appliances
Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre are specialists in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontic methods can guide facial growth from childhood to ensure that teeth and jaws develop properly. One of these methods includes the use of habit-altering appliances.
Harmful habits that lead to open bites include tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking. There are palatal cribs designed to prevent your thumb or tongue from pushing your teeth out of place. On the other hand, space maintainers help preserve dental alignment following a lost tooth, ensuring that the other teeth don’t shift out of place trying to fill a gap.
Close the Gaps and Improve Your Smile
Dealing with an open bite can cause not just cosmetic concerns but also functional issues if left uncorrected. At Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, we’re here to help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile by addressing your open bite. Schedule your free consultation today to explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs.