Open Bite
An open bite is when the front teeth don’t meet when you bite together. It can affect chewing, speech, and how forces are shared across the teeth.
An open bite happens when there’s a vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth. Orthodontic treatment can often improve it, but long-term stability depends on addressing the cause as well as alignment.
What an open bite usually looks like
When biting together, the back teeth may touch but the front teeth don’t. Some people notice difficulty biting into foods or that speech sounds feel slightly affected.
Why open bites happen
Tooth position: front teeth tipped outward or prevented from erupting fully.
Bite habits: long-term habits can influence how teeth meet.
Jaw growth: vertical growth patterns can contribute.
Relapse: previous orthodontic treatment without stable retention.
What typically helps
Treatment usually focuses on guiding the bite to close evenly while keeping forces balanced. Plans often include long-term retention to help keep the result stable.
When an open bite needs attention
Open bites can lead to uneven wear on back teeth, difficulty biting into foods, and a bite that never quite feels settled. Early guidance can help avoid longer-term issues.
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