Open Bite: Causes and Orthodontic Fix
When front teeth don't meet, it's an open bite. Here's how to correct it.
Dr. James Chen
Orthodontist
What it is
Front teeth don't touch when molars are together.
Causes
- Thumb sucking in childhood
- Tongue thrust habit
- Skeletal jaw discrepancy
- Previous orthodontic relapse
Treatment options
- Invisalign with elastics: mild cases
- Braces: moderate cases
- Habit breaking: essential in children
- Surgery + ortho: severe skeletal cases
Key: habit correction first
Without stopping thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, any correction will relapse.
Timeline
- Children: 12–18 months including habit correction
- Adults mild: 12 months
- Adults skeletal: 18–24 months + surgery
References
- American Association of Orthodontists
Tags
Referenced sources
- American Association of Orthodontists
Medical disclaimer. This article is informational and does not replace professional clinical advice. For a plan specific to your situation, book a consultation with a Paradise Dental specialist.
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