What Is an Open Bite? | How Is It Treated?

Malocclusions have become pretty common throughout the world. It has not only led to an increased issue of teeth alignment, but also impacted oral hygiene on the whole. An open bite is among the different malocclusions causing alignment and bite issues . A normal bite is when the upper arch sits on the lower arch without causing any strain or gap. On the other hand, an open bite refers to the type of malocclusion in which there is a clear and visible gap between both upper and lower arches.

Over time, dentistry has evolved, offering a range of orthodontic solutions for malocclusions, including an open bite. From braces to aligners , teeth alignment has never been this easy and approachable. In this blog, let us help you understand what an open bite is and how it can be treated.

What Is an Open Bite?

An open bite is a type of malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) where the upper and lower teeth do not come into contact when the mouth is closed. Essentially, there’s a visible vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth (or sometimes the back teeth), depending on the type of open bite.

There are two main types of open bite:

Anterior Open Bite

This is the most common type, where the front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are closed together. It often affects the appearance of the smile and can make biting into foods like sandwiches or apples difficult.

Posterior Open Bite

In this type, the back teeth don’t touch, but the front teeth do. This can make chewing food uncomfortable and uneven.

What Does an Open Bite Look Like?

An open bite is easy to spot once you know what to look for. Common visual signs include:

• A visible gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
• The person’s lips may not fully close naturally without effort.
• The chin or lower jaw may appear extended forward or downward.
• Speech difficulties, particularly with sounds like “s” or “th.”
• Difficulty biting into solid foods like pizza, apples, or sandwiches.

In mild cases, the gap may be small, noticeable only to a dentist, but in more severe cases, it can affect facial symmetry and confidence.

Causes of Open Bite

Understanding the root cause of an open bite is crucial because treatment depends heavily on what’s causing it. Common causes include:

Thumb or Pacifier Sucking

Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 4 can push the front teeth outward and prevent them from properly meeting the lower teeth.

Tongue Thrusting

Some people unconsciously press their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing, speaking, or resting. This consistent pressure can lead to an open bite over time.

Genetics

Jaw shape and growth patterns can be inherited. If your parents had an open bite, you might be more likely to develop one too.

Skeletal Issues

Sometimes the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, leading to a skeletal open bite that can’t be corrected with braces alone.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ issues may cause improper jaw alignment and muscle tension, leading to bite irregularities.

Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing (due to allergies or nasal obstruction) can change tongue posture and jaw development in children, increasing the risk of an open bite.

How Do You Treat an Open Bite?

The treatment for an open bite depends on several factors: age, cause, and the severity of misalignment. The possible and effective treatment options include:

• Braces
• Aligners
• Surgery

Braces for Open Bite

Braces are one of the most widely used and effective treatments for open bite teeth, especially in moderate to severe cases. Braces apply continuous pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into the correct position. For open bites, braces help bring the upper and lower teeth together so they align properly when the mouth is closed.

Types of Braces Used

• Traditional Metal Braces: Strong and effective for complex open bite cases.
• Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored and less visible than metal braces.
• Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth for a discreet appearance.

Duration:

Treatment usually lasts between 18 to 30 months, depending on the severity of the open bite.

Clear Aligners for Open Bite

For those seeking a more aesthetic and comfortable option, clear aligners can be a great solution, especially for mild to moderate open bites. Aligners use a series of custom-made, transparent trays that gently move your teeth into alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for 1–2 weeks before moving to the next, gradually closing the open bite.

Benefits

• Nearly invisible and discreet.
• Removable, you can eat, drink, and brush freely.
• Less discomfort compared to braces.
• Predictable results through digital planning.

Best

Mild to moderate anterior open bite, and adults who prefer a removable treatment option.

Surgery for Severe Open Bite

When the open bite is due to skeletal issues, especially in adults, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) might be necessary. The oral surgeon repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to align it correctly. After surgery, braces or aligners are used to fine-tune the bite.

Recovery

The healing process can take 6 to 12 weeks, but results are often permanent and life-changing, restoring both function and appearance.

Fixing an Open Bite in Adults

Adult open bite treatment typically depends on whether the problem is dental (tooth position) or skeletal (jaw structure).

Options include:

• Clear Aligners (for mild to moderate cases)
• Braces (for moderate to severe dental open bites)
• Jaw Surgery (for skeletal open bites)

In many adult cases, a combination of aligners and elastics provides a non-surgical solution.

Fixing an Open Bite without Braces

You may wonder how to fix an open bite without braces.

Here are some non-braces approaches for mild open bite correction:

Clear Aligners

As mentioned, aligners can discreetly correct mild open bite cases without metal brackets and wires.

Behavioral Therapy

For open bites caused by tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, myofunctional therapy can help retrain muscle movements to prevent further misalignment.

Dental Restorations

If the open bite is caused by worn-down or uneven teeth, bonding, veneers, or crowns may be used to restore balance and close small gaps.

How Do I Know If My Bite Is OK?

It can be tricky to assess your bite just by looking in the mirror. Here are some signs your bite may be off:

• Your teeth don’t touch evenly when your mouth is closed.
• There’s a visible gap between the top and bottom teeth.
• You find it difficult to bite or chew certain foods.
• You experience jaw pain, clicking, or headaches.
• Your front teeth look protruded or misaligned.
• You notice speech difficulties or air escaping when pronouncing certain sounds.

If you experience any of these, it’s best to consult an orthodontist. A bite assessment (using digital scans or X-rays) can help identify whether you have an open bite or other alignment issues.

Complications of an Untreated Open Bite

Ignoring an open bite can cause more than aesthetic concerns. Over time, it can lead to:

• Chewing inefficiency and digestive issues.
• Speech problems, especially with “s” and “th” sounds.
• Excessive wear on back teeth due to uneven pressure.
• Jaw strain and TMJ discomfort.
• Self-consciousness or low confidence about your smile.

Early treatment, especially in children, can prevent these long-term effects and support natural jaw growth.

Can Braces Fix an Open Bite?

Yes! Braces can absolutely fix an open bite in most cases. They gradually move teeth into the right position, allowing the upper and lower arches to meet properly. For complex cases, braces may be paired with rubber bands to enhance vertical tooth movement. In skeletal open bites, braces are used after surgery to stabilize and refine the results.

What about Mild Open Bite?

A mild open bite means there’s only a small gap between the upper and lower teeth. These are often easier to fix and don’t require surgery.

Common Treatments for Mild Open Bite

• Clear aligners (most convenient for adults)
• Elastics (for fine-tuning the bite)
• Behavioral correction (for tongue thrust or mouth breathing)
• Retainers (to prevent relapse after treatment)

Mild cases often respond well to non-invasive aligner treatments within 6–12 months.

Lifestyle Adjustments during Open Bite Treatment

To ensure your treatment succeeds, here are some habits and tips to keep in mind:

Avoid Thumb or Finger Sucking

This habit can undo orthodontic progress, especially in children.

Monitor Tongue Position

Myofunctional exercises can retrain tongue movement.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Braces and aligners can trap food, so brush and floss daily.

Use Retainers Post-Treatment

Prevent relapse and maintain bite correction.

Eat Soft Foods

During active treatment, avoid sticky or hard foods that may damage aligners or braces.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Open Bite?

Treatment time depends on the cause and method used:

Early diagnosis and intervention often lead to faster, more effective results.

Can an Open Bite Return after Treatment?

Relapse can occur if retainers aren’t worn consistently after treatment. To prevent this:

• Always wear your retainers as prescribed.
• Address any habits like tongue thrusting.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your orthodontist.

With proper care, your open bite correction can last a lifetime.

Treating an Open Bite

An open bite might seem like just a cosmetic concern, but it affects much more than your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. The good news? It’s entirely treatable. Whether through braces, clear aligners, or even behavioral therapy, there’s a customized solution for every type and severity.

If you’re dealing with open bite teeth, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early consultation with an orthodontic professional can help you find the best treatment plan for your needs and get you one step closer to a balanced, healthy, and confident smile.