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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, Smiles from the Hart 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. Hart addresses:
- Anterior Open Bite: This happens when the front teeth (incisors) don’t touch when the back teeth are closed, leaving a gap between the upper and lower front teeth. It’s often most noticeable when you smile or bite down.
- Posterior Open Bite: This occurs when the back teeth (molars) don’t touch when the front teeth are together, resulting in a gap between the upper and lower back teeth.
Why Open Bites Exist
There are a few developmental and habitual reasons for open bites, which mostly occur in early childhood.
- Thumb-Sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking 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 similarly shift the teeth out of alignment, much like too much thumb-sucking.
- Family History: Open bites can be genetic. If a parent or close relative has had an open bite, there is a higher likelihood of it being passed on genetically.
- Inherited Jaw Structure: Some individuals are born with jaw structures that predispose them to an open bite. For example, differences in the growth rates of the upper and lower jaws can lead to misalignment.
- Trauma or Injury: Severe injuries to the face or jaw can impact tooth alignment and bite. Fractures or damage may heal in a way that leaves patients with an open bite.
- Tongue Thrusting: When the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, speaking, or at rest, this pressure can gradually push the teeth outward, causing an open bite.
- Tooth Eruption Problems: Teeth that do not erupt in the proper position or fail to erupt at all can create gaps and misalignment, contributing to an open bite.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders can affect the alignment and function of the jaw, potentially leading to or worsening an open bite.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Certain neuromuscular conditions can affect muscle control in the face and jaw, leading to an open bite due to abnormal movements or positioning of the jaw and tongue.
How Dr. Hart Can Help
The awesome news is that Smiles from the Hart offers a variety of personalized solutions to address open bites, all tailored specifically to you by our team and Dr. Hart!
- 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 utilizes custom-made plastic trays to gently shift your teeth. Worn daily and replaced every one to two weeks with a new set, these aligners progressively adjust the teeth.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): These are attached to the brackets or clear aligners to provide additional pressure, helping to move teeth into the correct position and effectively closing the vertical gap in an open bite.
- Behavioral Therapy: For open bites caused by habits like tongue thrusting, we may work with speech therapists or other specialists to offer behavioral therapy. This helps patients learn new swallowing techniques or break habits that contribute to the open bite, especially in children.
- Orthognathic Surgery: For more severe cases, particularly in adults, surgery may be required to correct jaw alignment. Orthognathic surgery is often combined with orthodontic treatment for optimal results, and we regularly provide referrals for this type of treatment.
- Retainers: After treatment, retainers are crucial to maintaining the results. They help keep the teeth in their new position and prevent the open bite from reoccurring.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Since every open bite is unique, our team at Smiles from the Hart creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may involve a combination of the methods mentioned above to achieve the best results for you or your child.
Making Space
Conditions like open bites can be challenging both functionally and for self-esteem reasons. Fortunately, Dr. Hart provides a variety of treatment options to address this issue effectively. Our amazing office in Murfreesboro is here to provide you with all the assistance you need!