Open Bite | Stockport Orthodontic Practice

Open Bite

Open bite or anterior open bite is where the front teeth don’t overlap. It can be caused by how the jaws grow or develop from thumb sucking. Anterior open bites can cause issues with eating and speech. Treating open bites can be very difficult. Aligners can manage this condition well but sometimes surgical correction is required.

Causes of an Open Bite

An open bite can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it develops naturally due to the way the jaws grow and form. Childhood habits can also play a role, such as thumb sucking or prolonged use of a dummy, which can gradually push the teeth out of alignment. Another common cause is tongue thrusting, where the tongue presses against the front teeth when swallowing or speaking, preventing them from meeting properly.

Why It Matters

An anterior open bite affects more than just the appearance of your smile. Because the front teeth don’t overlap, it can make it difficult to bite into everyday foods like apples, sandwiches, or pizza. This type of bite problem may also cause speech difficulties, including lisps, and in some cases it places extra strain on the back teeth, leading to uneven wear over time.