Understanding open bite: Causes, treatments, and how clear aligners can help

Ever noticed a gap between your upper and lower teeth when you close your mouth? Dental philosophers call this condition an open bite. Dental alignment issues like those of open bites, can affect the efficiency of your oral functions. Although they may not initially cause alarm, they do have an impact in the long term.

This blog will explore the causes of open bites, what treatment options are available in the UK, and how Caspersmile Clear Aligners would work best to treat open bites.

What is an open bite?

An open bite is a dental condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed. This can lead to difficulty in chewing, speech issues, and even jaw discomfort. Whether you’re experiencing it yourself or just curious, understanding open bite can help you take the right steps toward better oral health.

Types of open bite

Not all open bites are the same. They generally fall into two categories.

Anterior open bite

In this type of open bite, your back teeth touch upon closing the mouth, but your front teeth still don't touch, creating a noticeable gap

Posterior open bite

Posterior open bite occurs when, upon closing your mouth, your front teeth meet but your back teeth remain apart.

Symptoms of open bite

An open bite can affect your daily life in many ways. Here are some common signs that might indicate you have one:

• Visible space between teeth when you close your mouth

• Difficulty in biting and chewing

• Speech issues

• Frequent tongue thrusting

• Jaw discomfort or strain

Causes of an open bite

Let's try to find out why people develop an open bite. There could be multiple factors that contribute to developing an open bite.

Genetic factor

Just like eye color, skin color, or height, the structure of your jaw or teeth is often inherited. If your parents or grandparents had dental issues, particularly an open bite, there is a good chance you might have one too. Genetics influence how your jaw bone is sculpted and what would be the alignment of your bite.

Thumb sucking

While thumb-sucking might seem harmless in early childhood, prolonged habits can significantly impact dental development. The constant pressure of the thumb against the teeth can push them forward, preventing them from aligning properly. If this habit continues beyond the toddler years, an open bite can become a long-term issue.

Tongue thrusting

The way you swallow or position your tongue can shape your teeth. Repeated movements of the tongue against the teeth can force the teeth outwards, creating a gap, which leads to an open bite.

TMJ disorders

The TMJ disorders affect the way your jaw moves and functions. When the jaw is misaligned or experiences excessive stress, it can disturb the natural bite pattern, leading to an open bite and causing chronic jaw pain.

Why correcting an open bite is important

An open bite can affect your ability to eat, speak, and even lead to long-term dental issues. While some may think it’s a harmless misalignment, ignoring an open bite can invite a host of complications that impact overall oral health and daily life. Here’s why getting it corrected is crucial:

Improved chewing

Imagine trying to bite into a sandwich or chew a steak, only to find that your teeth aren’t cooperating. When your teeth don't align properly, breaking the food or chewing it becomes a challenge. Over time, this can lead to the problem of digestion. Addressing the issue of open bites can save you from this struggle so that you can enjoy your meal properly.

Improves speech

Many of us are not aware of this, but our teeth play a crucial role in the pronunciation and production of sounds. An open bite creates a gap, which affects the airflow and position of the tongue, leading to speech difficulties like lisping. Correcting it can clear your communication so that you can speak confidently.

Protection from wear and tear

When the teeth don't meet correctly, some teeth take on more pressure than they should, leading to uneven wear. This can lead to crack, chipping, or enamel damage. Over time, this causes more dental issues, requiring more expensive dental treatments. Fixing an open bite can save you from this damage and long-term dental health issues.

Reduces jaw pain and discomfort

Bite issues, like an open bite can put a lot of pressure or stress on jaw muscles, leading to chronic discomfort, tension, headaches, and even TMJ. If left untreated, bite issues can lead to unnecessary pain. By treating an open bite, you can protect yourself from unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Treatment options for open bite

There are many treatment options available, depending on the severity of the case.

Behavior modification

When an open bite occurs in children, who have most of their baby teeth, it can resolve on its own when the habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting stop. This may involve therapy to stop tongue-thrusting behavior.

Traditional braces

Braces have been a trusted orthodontic solution to treat many dental problems, including an open bite. They are the wires or brackets made up of metal or ceramic, which gradually shift your teeth to their ideal position. Although they are highly effective in treating moderate to severe cases, they do come with some challenges. They are very noticeable and also cause discomfort while eating or maintaining hygiene.

Clear aligners

For those who want an effective and subtle solution to treat their open bite, clear aligners provide a fantastic alternative. These are transparent, custom-fit trays so they are nearly invisible and cause almost no discomfort. Moreover, they are removable to allow you to enjoy your meal and maintain your hygiene. They gradually and gently shift your teeth from their misaligned state to their ideal positions. They require much less solution as compared to the traditional braces. Another edge that clear aligners have over braces is that they don't require any dietary restrictions. Isn't it amazing?

Surgery

For extreme open bite cases, Orthodontic surgery may be necessary. This procedure involved the repositioning of jawbones to achieve a proper bite and facial balance. The invasive methods usually provide long-term solutions but they are way more expensive than the other options and require a lot of recovery time.

Caspersmile UK: the perfect aligner provider for your open bite treatment

When it comes to fixing an open bite, nothing beats Caspersmile UK. At Caspersmile, we don’t just offer clear aligners—we ensure your treatment is seamless, comfortable, and effective. Our goal is to make your journey toward a healthier, happier smile as easy as possible.

If you’re in the UK and struggling with an open bite, here’s why Caspersmile should be your top choice:

Expert orthodontists

At Caspersmile, we make sure you are in safe hands. Your treatment is guided by a team of highly qualified orthodontists with years of experience. Our specialists carefully assess your case and develop a more personalized treatment plan that ensures the best possible results. They provide continuous support throughout the treatment to ensure you get the smile you deserve.

Affordable solution

We believe that everyone deserves high-quality dental care, which is why we offer cost-effective treatment plans with flexible payment options without compromising the quality of the product. Now, you don't have to strain your budget to get the best treatment you deserve.

Convenient

You don't have to go out and pay for frequent dental visits to get treatment for your open bite. Caspersmile allows you to correct your bite alignment from the comfort of your couch. You just have to order the aligners. You will receive the impression kit, treatment plan, and post-treatment plan all at home.

Nationwide service and online customer support

Wherever you are in the UK, Caspersmile makes it easy to transform your smile. With our hassle-free online assessment, you can easily learn whether you are eligible for the treatment. Purchase your plan and receive it at your doorstep, no matter where you reside in the UK. Moreover, if you have any queries, you can ask our 24/7 available customer support service.

3D smile projection

Our customers’ satisfaction is our priority, which is why we have come up with the latest technology in 3D smile projection. Our experts will develop a 3D smile projection model to show you how your smile will look after the treatment. Your aligners will be crafted after you approve the smile you will get.

Final thought

Open bites are a common problem and they should be treated on time to avoid any future problems. No matter the severity of your open bite, there’s a treatment option that fits your needs. It's about choosing the right, affordable, and convenient treatment for yourself. So, why wait? If you suspect you have an open bite, order your clear aligners from Caspersmile today and become a part of our happy family.

FAQs

What are the signs of an open bite?

the symptoms of an open bite include visible space between teeth when you close your mouth, difficulty in biting and chewing, speech issues, frequent tongue thrusting, and jaw discomfort or strain.

Can an open bite correct itself?

Yes, in some mild cases, like children with baby teeth, an open bite can correct itself during natural growth.

How long does it take to fix an open bite with clear aligners?

it usually takes 4-12 months with clear aligners to fix an open bite, depending upon the severity of the case.

Are clear aligners effective for all types of open bites?

Yes, clear aligners can treat all types of mild to moderate open bite cases.

What makes Caspersmile UK clear aligners different from others?

Caspersmile UK offers high-quality affordable clear aligners that perfectly fit your teeth, leading to a comfortable daily life. Also, we provide clear aligners for both arches separately for anyone wanting to adjust only a single arch.

References:

Open bite: cause & treatment options. (n.d.). Kingston Orthodontics.
https://www.kingstonortho.co.uk/open-bite-kingston
Open bite Problems | Causes & Treatment | Museum Dental Suites. (n.d.).
https://www.museumdentalsuites.co.uk/conditions/open-bite
Clínica Birbe. (2024, December 10). What is an Open Bite? - Birbe Clinic. Birbe Clinic.
https://birbe.org/en/maxillofacial-surgery/orthognathic-surgery/open-bite/
Davies, R. (2024, May 24). Understanding open bite: Causes and Treatments | Toothfairy. Toothfairy. https://toothfairyapp.co.uk/knowledge/what-is-an-open-bite/