Openbite
The open bite is a problem in the position of the teeth that is characterized by a lack of contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
What is the Open Bite?
The open bite is another type of malocclusion that is commonly found among people of different ages. Its origin in most cases is the result of bad habits acquired during childhood, including: prolonged use of a pacifier, thumb sucking, pushing the teeth with the tongue or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose; which results in an unflattering facial aesthetic impact.
Types of Open Bite
This problem greatly affects the aesthetics of the patient's smile and sometimes does not even allow him to completely close his mouth. As it occurs in other pathologies, it is a condition that should be treated as much as possible during the childhood stage; beginning by suppressing the bad habits that sharpen it.
There are several types of open bite, among which the following stand out:
Anterior open bite
It is the one that occurs in most cases and occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not come into contact as they should.
posterior open bite
It is the teeth that are towards the bottom of the oral cavity that are not found when biting. It generally occurs due to the absence of teeth or an incomplete eruption of these.
Side open bite
In this variant, the lack of socket occurs on a single lateral side of the mouth, either on the right or left side.
In addition to cosmetic problems, the open bite can cause other consequences, such as:
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- Difficulty learning and correct pronunciation of words, producing a lisp that alters speech.
- Difficulty chewing food and premature tooth wear of the upper and lower teeth that make contact.
- Respiratory problems that can combine a nasal / mouth aspiration eventually further aggravating the condition.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders.
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Causes of open bite
The causes of an open bite are varied and can include:
Abnormal bone growth: Unusual growth of the facial bones can contribute to the appearance of an open bite.
Prolonged sucking habits: Prolonged use of pacifiers or thumb sucking can affect the proper development of the position of the teeth and jaw, which can result in an open bite.
atypical swallowing: Improper swallowing, in which the tongue is incorrectly positioned during the swallow, can influence the way the teeth align and affect occlusion.
Mouth breathing: Chronic breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can negatively affect the development of the palate and the position of the teeth, contributing to an open bite.
Skeletal problems: In some cases, skeletal development problems may be the underlying cause of the open bite.
Transmission
An open bite may require a combination treatment depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the problem. The open bite treatment plan may include one or more of the following options:
Orthodontics
For many patients, orthodontic treatment is the right option when it comes to correcting an open bite. This may involve the use of metal braces, cosmetic braces, or clear aligners such as Invisalign. The goal is to move the teeth and jaw into a proper position to achieve proper occlusion.
Orthognathic surgery
In more severe cases of open bite, especially when there are underlying skeletal problems, a combination of orthodontic treatment with orthognathic surgery may be necessary.
This approach allows correcting problems with the position of the facial bones and teeth to achieve proper alignment of the jaw.
myofunctional therapy
On certain occasions, the open bite is related to muscle and swallowing problems. Myofunctional therapy can be part of treatment to improve muscle function and correct bad habits that contribute to open bite.
It is important to note that open bite treatment should be performed by an orthodontist or dentist experienced in managing these conditions. Each case is unique and will require a personalized treatment plan that achieves the desired aesthetic impact.
FAQs
Can open bite be prevented?
Yes, in many cases an open bite can be completely preventable. However, it is important to identify and correct risk factors from a young age to prevent the development of an open bite. Some measures that can be taken to prevent open bite include:
- Avoid prolonged use of pacifiers and thumb sucking.
- Encourage proper nasal breathing.
- Correct inappropriate swallowing habits.
Monitor children's dental and facial development.
What happens if I don't know how to correct the open bite?
If the open bite is not corrected, it can lead to various consequences and oral health problems in the long run. These include:
- Chewing problems: The open bite hinders the ability to bite and chew food properly, affecting digestion and nutrient intake.
- Speech difficulties: The open bite can interfere with pronunciation and speech, affecting communication and self-confidence.
- Aesthetic problems: Open bite affects facial appearance and smile, which can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence.
- Tooth wear problems: When the teeth are not aligned correctly due to an open bite, uneven wear of the teeth tends to occur, which in turn can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems: An open bite can affect the function of the temporomandibular joint causing: headaches, facial pain and jaw problems.
How long does it take to close an open bite?
The time required to close an open bite will depend on the treatment and the severity of the case. In general, it is estimated that the treatment plan to close an open bite can last between 12 and 36 months.
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