If you’ve noticed a gap between your front teeth or felt that your molars aren’t touching when you close your mouth, you may be experiencing an open bite. This common orthodontic issue goes beyond just affecting your appearance—it can lead to various health complications. Fortunately, with advanced orthodontic technology and personalized care, Christian Manley Orthodontics is here to help you address and correct this condition effectively. Let’s take a look at what open bites are and how orthodontics can fix this common bite issue.
The Problem with Open Bites
An open bite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment, with a noticeable vertical gap between your upper and lower teeth when your back teeth are closed together. This gap means that your front teeth don’t touch when you bite down, creating a visible space. Open bites can be categorized into two types:
- Anterior Open Bite which occurs when the gap is primarily in the front teeth or incisors. It often results from childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which exert pressure on the front teeth and cause them to shift out of alignment.
- Posterior Open Bite which occurs when there is a gap between the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars, while the front teeth may align correctly. Although less noticeable, it’s equally important to address. Posterior open bites can be caused by accidents, skeletal deformities, or developmental issues with the teeth, jaw, or tongue.
If left untreated, open bites can lead to a variety of health and lifestyle complications such as:
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD): The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. If your teeth do not align properly, as with a posterior open bite, it can strain the TMJ, leading to discomfort, clicking sounds, or even pain when moving your jaw. This dysfunction can significantly impact your daily activities and overall comfort.
- Difficulty Biting and Chewing: Proper alignment of your teeth is crucial for effective chewing. An open bite can make it challenging to break down food, potentially causing digestive problems such as indigestion, constipation, and nutritional deficiencies due to improper food breakdown.
- Speech Impediments: Anterior open bites can interfere with clear pronunciation, particularly with sounds like “s” and “z.” This can lead to lisps and other speech issues, affecting your confidence and communication skills in personal and professional settings.
How We Can Treat Your Open Bite
If you’ve been dealing with issues related to an open bite, Christian Manley Orthodontics is ready to help. At your initial consultation, Dr. Manley will start by getting to know you and understanding your smile goals. After thoroughly evaluating your teeth, gums, and bite, he will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle and address any specific bite issues. Here are some of our most common treatments for correcting an open bite:
Metal Braces
They’ve been around for quite some time, but metal braces remain popular because of their price point and durability. Accessible and reliable, metal braces are used for severe cases of open bites.
In cases of anterior open bites, metal braces work by correcting the position of the affected teeth to close the gap while straightening the position of teeth within your jaw.
Clear Braces
Clear braces—also known as ceramic braces—work the same way as traditional metal ones. They use ceramic brackets that are smaller and more rounded than stainless steel brackets. These brackets also blend with the natural color of your teeth, making them less obvious when speaking or smiling.
We also offer LightForce clear braces for even faster treatment time, improved comfort, and added customization options.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
As a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, clear aligners are one of our most popular treatment options, and for good reason. These clear, removable aligners are virtually invisible and highly effective in treating open bites, among other orthodontic issues.
Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is viable for serious open bites rooted in jaw alignment issues. Dr. Manley will recommend different procedures depending on the case:
- Orthognathic surgery: This corrective jaw surgery involves making precise cuts behind your molars, down to the jawbone. Dr. Manley will then make the necessary adjustments to shift your jaw into the correct position.
- Palatal expander: This treatment option is often used with children. This treatment widens the upper jaw, giving the mouth more space, and positioning your teeth and jaws with their lower counterparts. Depending on the exact appliance used, expanders address various problems and are commonly used for fixing crowded teeth and tongue-thrusting habits.
- Herbst appliance: This is also for children with malocclusion, such as open bites and overbites. A Herbst appliance may be used together with braces to shift the lower jaw into the right position. It uses metal tubes attached to molars, connecting the upper and lower jaw.
- Invisalign Mandibular Advancement: Dr. Manley may also offer Invisalign clear aligners with a mandibular advancement feature as a solution for an open bite. As you straighten your teeth, this aligner treatment progressively moves your jaw forward into it’s ideal position.
Regular check-ups and follow-up appointments are essential in ensuring a successful treatment. Open bites need commitment from the patient, guided by support from a trusted orthodontic team.
Say Goodbye to Open Bites, Hello to Straighter Smiles
An open bite doesn’t have to hold you back from enjoying your smile. At Christian Manley Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether through Invisalign, metal braces, or clear braces, we have the tools and expertise to effectively treat your open bite.
Don’t let an open bite impact your oral health and self-confidence any longer. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us show you how we can transform your smile and improve your quality of life. Your journey to a properly aligned smile starts here!