WHAT IS AN OPEN BITE?
Open bite often occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite.
What causes an open bite?
The basic issue is that the teeth, both upper and lower do not touch each other, even when the mouth is closed.
Most often caused by genetically abnormal jaw structure or environmental factors. Such factors can be excessive thumb-sucking or a tongue thrust habit.
Prominent culprits in this regard are thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and chewing on a pencil or some similar object. Prolonged habits can contribute to the development of the condition.
What problems can an open bite cause?
Any of the habits discussed above may cause the front teeth to flare out and the lower teeth to lean back. Since the jaw is still developing, the teeth become misaligned. This condition could also be a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) where the patient suffers from chronic pain in the jaw due to unnecessary pressure. Such habits need to be identified and corrected early. Early Preventative Treatment is usually between 8 – 10 years of age.
How do you treat an open bite problem?
Correcting this condition can be achieved at a young age (usually before puberty), it is very important to identify the problem(s) early on to be able to modify habits and correct the issues promptly. Habit prevention appliances along with jaw modifying appliance be used to correct open bites.
If Early Preventative Treatment is provided in a timely manner, then future jaw surgery may be avoided.
Thumb sucking habits eliminated early may avoid potential open bites. If you can gently eliminate thumb sucking before any adult tooth erupts then a mild open bite can self correct.
For more information about open bite treatments, please contact our office.