An open bite refers to the form of malocclusion that occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not contact the frontal part of the mouth when the jaws are fully closed. Consequently, this leaves a space among them which is called an open bite. The co-founder and famous orthodontist Dr. Kami Hoss states that open bite causes a magnitude of problems and therefore treating the problem at the earliest is highly recommended.
An open bite could be fairly challenging to treat. This is why obtaining the services of a specialized orthodontist should be the right choice. They can treat the condition through a range of procedures backed by metal braces, Invisalign, and oral surgery depending on the severity of the problem and the patient’s need.
What Are The Noticeable Signs Of Open Bite?
Some of the most evident signs of an open bite include
- Helplessness to make the upper teeth touch the lower teeth in the front part
- Problems with swallowing and chewing
- Less-noticeable chin
- Speech problems, like a lisp
- Inappropriate teeth alignment
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Difficulty biting and chewing any food with the front teeth
- Unsightly smile
Can Open Bite Be Problematic For Teeth?
Yes, says Dr. Kami Hoss. According to the dental specialist, an open bite can lead to different complexities for the teeth, oral health, and overall well-being apart from affecting one appearance. Most importantly, the biggest issue of open bite is its tendency to get worsen over time. Consequently, it can lead to different issues like
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- Lack of self-confidence, awkwardness with a smile
- Speech impediments
- Headaches/Earaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Snoring
- Periodontal or gum disease
- Tooth decay, oral bacteria growth, and digestive issues.
How Open Bite Is Diagnosed?
To diagnose and treat malocclusion or bite problems, a concerned person should meet a specialized orthodontist. Apart from personal evaluation, the doctors take the assistance of x-rays or 3D-imaging to examine the condition underneath the gum line, its possible causes, and the best treatment option for the particular malocclusion.
How Open Bite Is Treated?
A well-equipped and experienced orthodontist can follow any one of the following three procedures to treat an open bite. Apart from dental surgery, the two popular procedures are stated as under:
Metal Braces are the traditional but highly effective and affordable solution to fix open bites. Braces are fairly reliable and ideal to correct even the most complex types of bite problems. They are not removable and only after the alignment is accomplished, the braces are removed by the doctor himself. In general, depending on the seriousness, it can take nearly 30-45 days for fixing the teeth.
Invisalign has emerged as a cutting-edge tool for treating bite problems. They are transparent aligners which means that nobody can notice them. This is one good reason why the new generation prefers these clear aligners. They are effective, and easily replaceable (as a series of custom aligning trays are used by the doctor to gradually reach the desired alignment) by the wearer. After successful completion of the treatment, one can stop using them as suggested by the doctor. However, this procedure is a bit more costly than traditional braces.