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Open Bite: Definition, Causes, and Treatment
An open bite is a condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed. This can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and aesthetics. Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic in Hyderabad provides treatment for this condition, which may be caused by genetics, habits, or misalignment of the jaw.
What is Open Bite?
This means the upper and lower teeth are space or gap away when the mouth is closed. It can involve the front teeth and even posterior teeth. However, this could take place in adults and children as well. Severity will determine an open bite can cause difficulty when biting and chewing food, that can impact an individual’s speaking clearly and comfortably.
Causes of Open Bite
There are a number of reasons why open bites can occur, either individually or together. The most common causes are:
- Genetics: Inherited tendencies determine how teeth grow in alignment, and heredity is also a possible factor in developing an open bite.
- Thumb Sucking: Continued sucking on the thumb or use of pacifiers as a child causes the positioning of the teeth to become distorted, which can cause an open bite.
- Tongue Thrusting: The habit of thrusting the tongue against the teeth during swallowing or speaking can cause teeth to shift and result in an open bite.
- Jaw Discrepancies: Structural issues with the jaw, such as the misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, can also lead to an open bite.
- Trauma: Injuries to the teeth or jaw, such as accidents or dental procedures, can cause misalignment, contributing to an open bite.
Types of Open Bite
Open bites are typically classified into two types based on their location:
- Anterior Open Bite: This type occurs when the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap at the front of the mouth.
- Posterior Open Bite: This occurs when the back teeth fail to meet, creating a gap at the rear of the mouth.
Before and After debtal Implants
Treatments for Open Bite
The treatment of an open bite primarily depends on the severity of the condition and its causes. The most frequent approaches include:
- Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment helps to gradually move the teeth into a more favorable position with the use of braces or clear aligners. This treatment closes the gap as it improves function.
- Speech Therapy: If habits like thrusting of the tongue are causing the open bite, speech therapy could help eliminate these habits and prevent further misalignment of the teeth.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery is recommended if the cases are severe and where jaw mal-alignment occurs to realign the jaw, then close the bite.
- Restorative Treatments: This is suitable for mild cases and where there are worn out teeth. Teeth may be bonded to reshape and adjust the appearance by crowning or veneers to improve the appearance.
Why Choose Dr. Gowd's Dental Clinic?
Fix your open bite and smile with confidence. Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic in Hyderabad takes care of effective treatments for correcting the bite.
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Medically Reviewed
Last Reviewed on 28/01/2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most common question that raised in patientsÂ
How will I know that I have an open bite?
If you have a gap between your upper and lower teeth when you’re closing your mouth or having problems chewing and speaking, you may have an open bite.
Open bite can be treated ?
Yes,Open bite can be treated with options like Orthodontics, speech therapy, and even surgery may be used for treatment, depending on the severity of the condition.
Do open bites tend to run in families?
In many cases, yes, open bites are hereditary, often the result of genetic jaw or tooth misalignments.
What happens if an open bite is untreated?
There will be functional problems in mastication and a later effect on speech and self-confidence due to the problem.
How long does it take to correct an open bite?
It takes months or sometimes several years, depending on the severity and the type of treatment.
Dr. Gowds
S.B.R’s, C.V Towers, Flat No. 402, Above Karachi Bakery, Opp. Pizza Hut, Hi-tech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad-500081. Official Website: https://drgowd.in/
