Openbite

Openbites occur when there is an inadequate vertical meeting of the top and bottom teeth. This is often caused by oral habits such as finger sucking and tongue thrusting but it can also be a result of mouth breathing due to chronic allergies.  In some cases it is due to over-eruption of posterior teeth or increase vertical angulation of the lower jaw early in development.  It can also occur when the top and bottom jaws grow disproportionately. It is very important to time an openbite treatment correctly to ensure a higher degree of success. The longer an openbite persists, the more likely surgery will be required to close the bite.  vertical problems in orthodontics are the most difficult to correct; diagnosis of the cause, timing of treatment, treatment planning and compliance with treatment are all equally important in achieving long-term successful treatment.

Orthodontic correction of openbite

It will be no surprise that treatment is entirely based on the primary etiology; if oral habits caused the openbite then discontinuing these habits will be a big part of any stable correction. Openbites are always more successfully treated early in development so the orthodontist can use growth to assist and stabilize in the correction. As long as kids see their orthodontist by age 6, most open bites can be closed without difficulty.  The older the patient snd the more teeth that erupt and conform to the openbite, the more difficult, more time consuming and more costly the treatment. Ultimately, full braces will be employed 99% of the time even after early treatment is followed. The goal for us in all openbite cases is to close the bite, return function, keep the bite closed and prevent surgery.