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Orthodontic treatment is often sought for several reasons, such as straightening teeth and correcting a misaligned bite. Another reason people seek treatment is to fix an open bite, which is a common dental problem effectively treated with orthodontics.
When you close your mouth, your upper teeth should slightly overlap your lower teeth. An open bite, also known as a bad bite, occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly when you close your mouth. This results in a gap between your top and bottom teeth. An open bite can happen either in the front or the back of your mouth, but it’s more common in the front teeth.
Even if you close your mouth tightly, an open bite can occur if your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly at the front or back of your mouth. Having a misaligned bite can lead to several issues, such as pain when chewing, difficulty cleaning your teeth thoroughly (increasing the risk of cavities), and gum disease (gingivitis).
Open Bite and What To Look For
- Your teeth are out of alignment
- Trouble speaking properly
- Trouble biting down with your front teeth
- Trouble or pain when chewing and swallowing, affecting your digestive tract
- Your teeth don’t make contact when you close your mouth
- Diminished chin line adversely affects your facial profile
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- Headaches and earaches
- Sleep difficulties
- Snoring
Why an Open Bite Bad Is Bad for You
An open bite not only affects your ability to eat properly but also impacts your appearance and self-confidence. Over time, the condition can worsen, causing wear on your tooth enamel and increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. If you’re experiencing an open bite, it’s crucial to address it promptly. Seeking an orthodontic evaluation is essential to assessing the severity of the misalignment and correcting it using treatments like braces or clear aligners.
- Braces: Braces offer reliability and cost-effectiveness, with various options available for selection. They achieve attractive results and are straightforward to upkeep, suitable for both children and adults.
- Clear Aligners: These are comfortable, discreet, and easy to wear, clear aligners are ideal for adjusting open bites in both adults and teens.
- Retainers: After your clear aligners or braces are removed, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your bite and teeth from shifting back. Retainers help maintain the results of your treatment and prevent your teeth from moving out of place again. Without a retainer, your teeth can revert to their old position and affect your bite.
- Oral Surgery: When orthodontic treatment is not enough to fix a malocclusion, oral surgery can be considered as a final option. Combining orthodontic treatment with oral surgery for a severe open bite can lead to lasting results.
Why Wait? Call Today!
There is assistance available to you if you have an open bite and want to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Investing in this treatment can greatly benefit your oral health, enhance your appearance, and boost your self-confidence. With modern orthodontic treatments and techniques, it is possible to achieve the smile you’ve always desired while addressing any issues related to your open bite. Don’t hesitate any longer; please contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation. We are here to help!