How to Fix an Open Bite: Causes, Treatments, and Clear Aligner Solutions

So, have you ever had the open bite challenge? Let's do a quick check. Go take a bite out of an apple and notice if your front teeth meet at all? Or, just stand in front of a mirror and close your jaw. Do you have space between your upper and lower front teeth even when you try to bring them together? If yes, then you likely have an open bite.

What is an Open Bite?

This disorder makes it impossible for the upper and lower teeth to meet when the jaw is closed. It also affects daily activities such as eating and talking. But hope is there. Modern aligner technology can solve this without surgery and braces.

Types of Open Bite

Gap between the upper and lower front teeth is a common dental aesthetic concern among Americans. However, gaps between the upper and lower back teeth are less common.

• Anterior Open Bite: This affects our front teeth, leaving a gap and making it difficult to touch the lower and upper front teeth when biting.
• Posterior Open Bite: It affects our back teeth, preventing them from joining when the jaw is closed or during chewing and grinding.

What Causes an Open Bite?

There are several causes for a person to grow up with an open bite.

• Genetics: Just like you might inherit your parent's eye color. Anyone can inherit their parent’s jaw structure or teeth alignment patterns.
• Childhood Habits: The comforting habits from our younger years, like thumb-sucking or long pacifier use. It can gradually shape how our teeth grow and align.
• Tongue Pushing: Think of your tongue as a gentle but never-stopping sculptor. Someone that regularly pushes against your teeth. Eventually, it changes their position and shape.
• Jaw Joint Issues: When our jaw joints are uncomfortable. One might develop unconscious habits like teeth grinding or tongue pushing to find relief. These eventually affect our bite alignment.

Why Fix an Open Bite?

An open bite may be an aesthetic concern for the majority but the need to fix it goes beyond aesthetics.

• Improve Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the chance of cavities and gum issues.
• Enhance Functionality: Fixing an open bite can improve chewing, talking, facial aesthetics, and overall bite alignment.
• Boost Confidence: A nice smile can greatly raise self-confidence and enhance social experiences.

Surgical Solutions For Open Bite

There are different methods for treating an open bite, based on how severe it is and the age of the patient.

1. Traditional Braces

How They Work: Braces are tiny metal brackets that use mild, constant pressure to shift your teeth into their proper positions over time.

Pros: Works well for serious cases.

Cons: Noticeable, uncomfortable, and need regular adjustments.

2. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

How They Work: They are small titanium mini-pins inserted into the jaw to act as an anchor for controlling the direction of tooth movement.

Pros: A good option for correcting large bite misalignment.

Cons: Can be invasive, painful, and may not fit all patients.

Non-Surgical Solutions For Open Bite

Clear Aligners

How They Work: Custom-made, removable trays that slowly move teeth into the desired position.

Pros: Nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to clean and eat with.

Cons: May not be very effective for severe cases.

Transforming Your Smile Without Surgery

Clear aligner treatment can be affordable, convenient, and effective. Here’s how it works:

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are like contact lenses for your teeth. They are almost invisible, silently doing their job. Just as contacts are a modernization over regular glasses. The aligners are a modern alternative to traditional braces.

Step-by-Step Process

• Consultation: Get a personal online survey or check in at one of our partner clinics. An individualized plan will be developed to correct your open bite.
• Take an Impression: Use an at-home kit to create a mold of your teeth that we will deliver at your doorstep.
• Treatment Plan: Our dental experts will design a personalized plan to straighten your teeth by using 3D imaging.
• Wear Your Aligners: After receiving your custom aligners, you have to wear them as directed.
• Monitor Progress: Track your progress regularly with us through the Customer Care Call option. You can also keep a check on your progress bar with our Aligner Tracker App.

Aligner Advantages

• Budget-Friendly: Cost 60% less than traditional braces while delivering professional results.
• Nearly Invisible: Perfect for professionals and students. The aligners are nearly undetectable during daily activities, meetings, and social occasions.
• Fit Your Lifestyle: Removable aligners accommodate dining, oral hygiene, and special occasions, fitting seamlessly into dynamic schedules.
• Minimal Dental Visits Required: Clear aligner treatment requires fewer in-person appointments compared to traditional braces.
• Gentle, Non-Surgical Correction: It offers a comfortable solution for overbite and other alignment issues without surgical intervention.
• Proven Results: Fewer dental visits are required than traditional braces, with FDA-approved effectiveness for mild to moderate cases.

I used to cover my mouth when I laughed, always conscious of my open bite and feeling a bit insecure. Thanks to AlignerCo's clear aligners, I now have a beautiful smile and regained confidence. Truly life-changing!" Taylor’s 28

Drawbacks

• Treatment Duration: Clear aligners for overbites may take longer treatment time compared to surgical procedures, which are between 12 to 24 months at most.
• Limitations: Aligners work well in moderate cases of slight overbite or overcrowding but are not effective for complex cases requiring jaw position changes.

Treatment Cost Comparison Chart

Conclusion

An open bite doesn’t have to hold you back. With modern solutions like clear aligners, achieving a confident, healthy smile is easier than ever. Whether you choose traditional braces or the convenience of clear aligners, the key is to take the first step. We're here to guide you every step of the way—from diagnosis to your final, stunning smile.