Understanding Open Bite: Causes, Types, and Treatment Solutions

An open bite or ‘Apertognathia’ is a type of malocclusion or misalignment of teeth. Individuals with this problem have a noticeable opening when they close their mouths. Their upper and lower teeth do not touch, causing anterior or posterior open biting issues. This misalignment condition affects aesthetics, speech, functionality, and overall dental health.

Today, you will know about the causes and treatments of an open bite.

Causes Of Open Bite

Several factors cause this malocclusion. However, most of them are traced back to genetics and environment.

1. Genetic Factors

If a parent or close relative has a bad bite, genetic predisposition can influence dental and skeletal structures, causing oral misalignment. 

2. Prolonged Thumb Sucking or Pacifiers

Extended use of thumb sucking or using a pacifier beyond the age of 3-4 years cause dental misalignment. The pressure exerted by these constant habits affects not only the teeth’ alignment but also the development of jaws. 

3. Tongue Thrusting

It is a condition in which the tongue pushes against the teeth while swallowing or speaking, leading to a bad bite. This constant pressure causes teeth to flare out and spread, preventing the front teeth from coming together. 

4. Mouth Breathing

A reason for open biting is a chronic tendency to breathe from the mouth, often caused by allergies or nasal obstructions. Breathing from the mouth can alter the normal development of the jaw and dental structures. 

5. Jaw Misalignment

Skeletal discrepancies, such as an overdeveloped upper jaw or an underdeveloped lower jaw, can lead to an apertognathia. These issues often require complex treatment options. 

Visit a dentist in Victoria, TX, and discuss your misalignment problems. The expert will suggest the best treatment to improve speech and self-esteem. 

Types of Open Bite Malocclusion

There are various types of open bite issues. The following are the most common types-

Anterior-

An imperfect bite causes this condition. In this case, the front teeth of the upper and lower jaw do not overlap. It generally affects all the front teeth, but sometimes, some of them. Medical treatment is primarily needed to restore biting and chewing. 

Posterior-

This misalignment issue happens when the back teeth do not touch each other. It is the inverse of the anterior type. Here, the back teeth do not contact each other when the patient bites anything. Treatment is needed to restore chewing function for premolars and molars. 

Dental-

This malocclusion happens when the tooth cannot erupt enough to pass through the gums and jawbone. 

Skeletal- 

Mostly, it is the outcome of a genetic issue defined by an unnatural type of face development. If you have an open skeletal bite, molars will grow unevenly in the upper and lower jaws. Grinding teeth and dental injuries can cause it. 

What Issues Does Bad Bite Cause?

This misalignment condition causes the following problems-

• Inability to chew, especially with the posterior type of bad bite
• Speech difficulties
• Lower self-esteem
• Problems in biting
• TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder
• Damage and wear of back teeth

Treatment Options of Open Bite

Assessing the cause of this misalignment is the best way to treat it. It may be caused by an injury or be solely developmental. Treatments can be interceptive, such as modifying the issue or using conventional options like braces, jaw surgery, and high-pull headgear. 

The dentist will recommend the proper treatment after assessing your age, the cause of your bad bite, and the extent of your misalignment. 

1. Use of Oral Appliances

One effective way to treat this malocclusion condition is to make modifications during a child’s teeth development. The expert recommends interceptive appliances that help correct growth patterns that prevent jaw surgery or major orthodontic procedures. 

2. Myofunctional Therapy

When you swallow, normal muscle movement in the tongue and lips can move the teeth and influence biting. Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the tongue, allowing open-biting treatment to be more effective. 

3. Clear Aligners

Removable clear aligners help treat open bites. If you suffer from misalignment, consult your orthodontist and get the aligners. 

4. Braces and Headgear

Braces provide effective tooth movement and stability. They are used alone or combined with other bite correction treatments to improve teeth alignment. 

While you are going through treatment for a bad bite, living with it can be very problematic. Here are some modifications to make in your daily life- 

• Change in the diet
• Maintain proper oral hygiene
• Consider speech therapy
• Get regular dental check-ups

Meet With A Dentist Today For a Confident Smile

If you suffer from dental misalignment, visit our dentist at Crossroads Dental of Victoria immediately. In our inviting and patient-friendly environment, you can achieve a Hollywood-style smile. Dr. Matthew Simmons is here to fix the tooth and bite alignment problems. Book an appointment today.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.