An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This leaves a gap, usually in the front teeth. Sometimes, the back teeth don’t touch instead. You may hear the term “anterior open bite” when the gap is in the front. An open bite is a type of malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth are not correctly aligned.
Open bite teeth can make it tough to bite into foods like sandwiches or apples. Some people struggle to pronounce certain words. Others simply feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth.
Clear aligners are a smart choice for many patients. They are easy to use and blend in. Elencia Aligners are custom-made for your patient’s mouth and gently move the teeth.
Braces are another option. They use metal brackets and wires to move the teeth into position. Braces work well, but can be uncomfortable and hard to clean.
For younger patients, you may use special appliances to help guide the growth of the jaws. These work best when the patient is still growing.
For severe cases, especially in adults, surgery might be needed. This is typically reserved for skeletal open bites that can’t be corrected with aligners or braces.
If you don’t treat open bite teeth, your patients can face a lot of problems:
As a dentist, you want your patients to eat well, speak clearly, and feel good about their smiles. Treating open bite teeth helps you do just that.
Elencia Aligners are clear trays that fit over the teeth. Your patient wears each set of trays for about two weeks, then switches to the next set. Each tray moves the teeth a little closer to their ideal position.
Why Elencia Aligners are great for open bite treatment:
You get digital scans and a treatment plan for each patient. You can show your patient a preview of what their teeth will look like at the end. This helps them stay motivated and excited about their treatment.
Here’s how you can help your patients fix open bite teeth: