Open Bite Correction
Open bite is one type of malocclusion, or "bad bite." This is when the top and bottom teeth don't touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a space between the top and bottom teeth. Limiting thumb-sucking and pacifier use in children can help them avoid developing an overbite.
Open Bite Correction Treatment
An open bite is when the top and bottom teeth don’t touch at the front or back of the mouth when the jaw is fully shut, leaving a space between them. Open bites are a form of malocclusion, or “bad bite,” a variety of dental issues that cause the teeth to align improperly, causing problems when biting down and a host of other related issues, including pain, oral hygiene issues, and tooth and gum decay.
An open bite can be hard to treat, but we will be able to fix it with different types of braces and/or clear aligner treatment. If you think your child has an open bite, call our office today to schedule an appointment so that you or your child can smile and bite properly.
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What is an open bite in children?
An open bite is a malocclusion (bite problem) in which the upper and lower front teeth don’t make contact when the back teeth are closed together, leaving a visible gap between them. It can also occur in the back of the mouth (a posterior open bite), though the front version is more common. Open bites can make it difficult to bite into food, affect speech — particularly sounds like “s” and “z” — and place excess stress on the back teeth over time.
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What causes an open bite in kids?
The most common causes of open bites in children are prolonged thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, and tongue thrusting — a habit where the tongue pushes forward against or between the front teeth during swallowing or while at rest. Skeletal factors related to vertical jaw development can also play a role, and in some cases the cause is genetic. Identifying the root cause is an important first step in determining the right treatment approach.
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Can a child's open bite correct itself?
Sometimes. If the open bite is directly related to a habit like thumb sucking or pacifier use, it may improve on its own once the habit is stopped — especially in younger children whose jaws and teeth are still actively developing. However, if the habit continues or the bite doesn’t close naturally as the child grows, orthodontic treatment will be needed.
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How is an open bite treated in children and teens?
Open bite treatment depends on the cause and severity. For habit-driven open bites, a habit appliance (such as a tongue crib or thumb guard) is often the first step — stopping the habit allows the bite to begin closing. Braces or clear aligners can then correct the tooth positions. For skeletal open bites with vertical jaw discrepancies, additional orthodontic appliances may be used during growth; severe cases in adults may require jaw surgery. Starting treatment during childhood or early adolescence consistently leads to better outcomes.
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What happens if a child's open bite is not corrected?
An untreated open bite tends to worsen over time and becomes more difficult to correct once jaw growth is complete. It can lead to difficulty eating and biting, speech challenges, abnormal chewing patterns that wear down the back teeth unevenly, and increasing self-consciousness about appearance. We recommend scheduling an orthodontic evaluation as soon as an open bite is noticed so we can assess the best time and approach for treatment.
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More Questions?
If you have any questions about open bite correction contact us, request an appointment for your child, or explore the other pediatric dental services we offer using the links below.