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Have you ever wondered how common open bites are? Research shows that one-third (36.4%) of dental patients studied had an anterior open bite.
What is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a dental condition in which the teeth don’t properly align when the mouth is closed. The most common form is called an anterior open bite, where the front teeth of both the upper and lower arch extend outwards, creating a gap between them even when someone closes their mouth completely.
This misalignment is classified as a type of malocclusion, the technical term for teeth that don't come together correctly.
Are Open Bites Normal?
Looking at the bigger picture:
- Front teeth gaps are fairly common, affecting anywhere from 10% to 30% of people, depending on which community is being studied.
- Back teeth gaps are less common in about 5% to 15% of people.
In other words, many Canadians share this same dental condition.
The Open Bite Guide
An open bite is a dental condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
What Causes an Open Bite?
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Genetics:
The angle of your jaw or position of your teeth alignment was passed down from your parents. -
Childhood Habits:
The child’s habit of thumb-sucking, using a pacifier for too long, or pushing the tongue. -
Tongue Pushing:
If you frequently push the inside of your upper and lower teeth with your tongue. -
Jaw Joint Issues:
Long-term jaw pain causes you to take sudden actions like teeth grinding or instant tongue pushing to ease the pain, which leads to misalignment of the bite.
Types of Open Bites
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Anterior Open Bite:
It affects your front teeth, leaving a gap. When you are biting, it makes it difficult to touch the lower front teeth. -
Posterior Open Bite:
It affects your back teeth, preventing them from joining when the jaw is closed or even during chewing and grinding.
Why Should You Fix Your Open Bite?
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Improve Oral Health:
Straight teeth are easier to clean, which lowers the chance of cavities and gum issues. -
Enhance Functionality:
Fixing an open bite can improve chewing, talking, eating, and overall bite alignment. -
Boost Confidence:
A nice smile can greatly raise self-confidence and social experiences.
Non-Surgical Solutions For Open Bite
There are different methods for treating an open bite, based on how severe it is and the age of the patient.
1. Traditional Braces
How They Work: Braces are tiny metal brackets that use mild, constant pressure to shift your teeth into their proper positions over time. The exact way this happens depends on the type of braces you choose.
Pros: Works well for serious cases.
Cons: Noticeable, uncomfortable, and need regular adjustments.
2. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
How They Work: They are small titanium mini-pins inserted into the jaw to act as an anchor for controlling the direction of tooth movement.
Pros: A good option for correcting large bite misalignment.
Cons: It can be invasive, painful, and may not fit all patients.
3. Clear Aligners
How They Work: Custom-made, removable trays that slowly move teeth into the desired position.
Pros: Nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to eat and clean with.
Cons: It may not be very effective for severe cases.
Transforming Your Smile Without Surgery
At AlignerCo, we specialize in clear aligner treatment that’s affordable, convenient, and effective for Canadians. Here’s how it works:
Clear aligners work like braces but without the brackets or wires that connect the two parts of the braces. We use several aligner trays on which gentle pressure is applied to the teeth. This eventually helps to correct your overbite.
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Consultation: Speak with us for free via online assessment or for a small cost in one of our partner clinics in Canada. We will develop an individualized plan to correct your open bite.
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Step 2: Treatment: At AlignerCo, we specialize in at-home clear aligners that combine convenience, affordability, and professional care. Here’s how it works:
- Take an Impression: Use our at-home kit to create a mold of your teeth.
- Custom Treatment Plan: Our dental experts design a personalized plan to straighten your teeth.
- Wear Your Aligners: Receive your custom aligners and wear them as directed.
- Monitor Progress: Track your progress regularly by checking your treatment progress with your orthodontist with our customer care call options and our Aligner Tracker App to keep up with your treatment at all times.
Aligner Advantages
- Affordable Solution: Clear aligners typically cost up to 60% less than traditional braces, making them a cost-effective choice for people seeking orthodontic treatment.
- Virtually Invisible: It’s perfect for professionals and students across Canada. The aligners are nearly undetectable during daily activities, meetings, and social occasions.
- Flexible for Busy Canadian Lifestyles: Removable aligners accommodate dining, oral hygiene, and special occasions, fitting seamlessly into the dynamic schedules of urban and suburban Canadians.
- Minimal Dental Visits Required: Ideal for busy Canadians from Toronto to Vancouver, clear aligner treatment requires fewer in-person appointments compared to traditional braces.
- Gentle, Non-Surgical Correction: Offers a comfortable solution for overbite and other alignment issues without requiring surgical intervention, meeting Canadian healthcare standards.
- Proven Results: Health Canada-approved clear aligners show consistent effectiveness in treating mild to moderate open bites and other dental alignment.
Drawbacks
- Treatment Duration: Clear aligners for overbites may take longer treatment time as compared to surgical procedures, which are between 12 to 24 months at most.
- Limitations: Aligners do well in moderate cases of slight overbite or overcrowding and are not effective for complex cases where there is a need to change the jaw position.
Making Your Decision in Canada
| Factor | Surgical Solutions | Traditional Braces | TADs | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Extremely invasive (surgery, anesthesia, recovery) | Minimally invasive | Invasive | Minimally invasive |
| Treatment Duration | 6–12 months (including recovery) | 18–24 months | 18–24 months | 6–18 months |
| Long-Term Results | Permanent | Requires retainers | Requires retainers | Requires retainers |
| Aesthetics | Improves jaw alignment; may have swelling | Visible | Invasive | Nearly invisible |
| Convenience | Low (surgery and recovery) | Moderate | Low | High |
| Treatment Cost Comparison Chart | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option | Cost (CAD) | Duration | Aesthetics | Convenience |
| Traditional Braces | 6,000–9,000 | 18–24 months | Visible | Moderate |
| TADs | 8,000–12,000 | 18–24 months | Invasive | Low |
| Clear Aligners | 1,500–9,000 | 6–18 months | Nearly Invisible | High |
Conclusion
An open bite doesn’t have to hold you back. With modern solutions like clear aligners, achieving a confident, healthy smile is easier than ever. Whether you choose traditional braces or the convenience of clear aligners, the key is to take the first step. At AlignerCo, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from diagnosis to your final, stunning smile.
