Open bites are a common issue; it can be something you’re born with or acquired through certain habits. The good thing is that, with DiMarzio Orthodontics, you can fix this condition with an orthodontic treatment that suits your needs and lifestyle. Left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious problems, which brings us to the question: “How does orthodontics fix open bites?”
If you have an open bite, this blog is for you! We’ll discuss this orthodontic condition more and how treatments can help you achieve a better smile.
What is an Open Bite?
An open bite refers to a type of malocclusion —a misalignment of the teeth — where the upper and lower teeth do not meet whenever you close your mouth. It can be classified as either anterior or posterior. An anterior open bite is when your maxillary (top) and mandibular (bottom) incisors do not touch when you bite. This often leads to a visible gap in the front of your mouth.
On the other hand, a posterior open bite occurs when your molars and premolars do not touch each other when you close your mouth. While the front teeth come into contact just fine, the back teeth do not.
What Causes Open Bites?
As mentioned, open bites come from a variety of factors. It can be hereditary, or a number of other factors, such as the following can cause it:
- Childhood habits: Certain childhood habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and prolonged use of pacifiers can cause your teeth to get pushed out of place. Applying excessive force to your teeth causes misalignment, affecting the direction in which your teeth grow.
- Abnormal growth or bone structure: Some people are born with an unusual bone structure, leading their teeth to grow incorrectly. Similarly, childhood accidents can negatively affect bone development, causing an open bite.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): This is an umbrella term covering muscular dysfunction of the mastication and temporomandibular joints. One side effect of the health condition is an increased risk of having an open bite.
In most cases, open bites are caused by a combination of the above-mentioned factors. If left untreated, open bites can affect your speech and facial features, aside from the development of your teeth and jaws.
How Orthodontics Fix Open Bites?
Dr. DiMarzio will assess your teeth, jaws, bite, and more with help from the latest tools in orthodontics. He’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that can keep up with your lifestyle and suit your needs. If you have an open bite, he’ll recommend one of the following solutions:
Braces
Braces apply force to each of your teeth, pulling them toward a targeted position to fix alignment issues such as an open bite. The most common are traditional metal braces, which are made from medical-grade stainless steel. Its durable brackets and archwires are more affordable and stain-resistant, although they cause more discomfort when used.
Aside from traditional metal braces, our offices in Quincy, Braintree, and Milton also offer 3M clarity brackets for our clear braces. Clear braces use ceramic brackets, which attract less attention and are more comfortable to wear than their metal counterparts. However, these are more prone to staining and discoloration and less durable than metal braces.
Clear Aligner Trays
Invisalign clear aligner trays also apply pressure to your teeth and move them into their proper positions to resolve alignment issues, such as open bites. However, instead of wires and brackets, aligners use a set of clear mouth guides. You wear one set of trays for a set period before moving on to the next. They are more discreet than braces, and you can remove them when eating.
Tooth Extraction
Some cases of open bites result from crowding or when teeth are packed too tightly together. Depending on the situation, Dr. DiMarzio might remove one or more teeth to provide space and resolve your misalignment.
Surgical Orthodontics
If your open bite is caused by, or related to, skeletal issues, then orthognathic surgery may be necessary. This involves repositioning or realigning your jaws. This is often done together with other orthodontic treatments to keep the changes permanent. Although this option is more invasive and usually more expensive, it is reserved for more serious situations.
Therapy and Behavior Modification
Behavioral modifications involve training patients to eliminate harmful habits that can cause open bites. This is often done with children when their teeth are still developing but can also be recommended for adults with slight open bites. It is usually done with certain orthodontic appliances, such as:
- Vertical chin cup: This facial accessory regulates the development of a client’s chin, preventing it from going too far downwards or backward.
- Cribs and roller appliances: These devices prevent thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting from hitting the teeth, protecting them from getting misaligned.
- High-pull headgear: This is usually recommended for people wearing braces, regulating teeth alignment and jaw development.
Get a Smooth and Effective Open Bite Treatment Today
If you have an open bite, there’s no need to worry! Our team can help correct your misalignment with a variety of treatments. Schedule your initial consultation to achieve that smile you’ve always wanted and protect yourself from potential complications today.