An open bite is the condition whereby there’s a gap between the top and bottom front teeth even when your mouth is closed.
If this occurs you may be embarrassed by your smile, it can also make eating and talking difficult, and it can also cause problems in the long term such as excessive wear on the back teeth or pain in your jaw joints.
Why do I have an open bite?
This can be caused by a hereditary jaw shape, or by behavioural issues such as thumb sucking and pen chewing.
How do you correct an open bite?
Children and Adolescents
The most effective treatment for an open bite is one that starts while the jaw and teeth are still growing and moving. Typically braces do a great job of steering everything into the right place while the teeth and jaw are developing, but in some cases orthodontic headgear will produce better results faster.
Adults
Clear aligners and other discreet solutions such as invisible braces will work well for a mild to medium open bite, whereas surgery may be required for severe cases where the shape of the jaw is the predominant cause.
What now?
Book a no obligation appointment with us and we will carefully examine your open bite and provide you with the most suitable options to treat it.
We will run through the pros and cons of each treatment option, plus the full treatment plan so you’re fully aware of what will happen and how long it will be until you have the smile you deserve.