When most people say “open bite,” they mean an anterior open bite. People with an anterior open bite have front upper and lower teeth that slant outward, preventing them from touching when the mouth is closed. An open bite is a kind of malocclusion in which the teeth do not line properly when the jaws close as suggested by an Indianapolis dentist. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons for open bites.

What Causes Open Bites?

People may have an open bite due to an issue with their jawbone. Children frequently experience this difficulty when they have both primary and permanent teeth in their mouths at the same time. The main teeth will not come together until the initial teeth have fallen out. This is why there is malocclusion in the teeth. Clear braces are an effective treatment option for an open bite.

Genetic factors have been recognized as one of the key causes of open bite conditions. Certain genetic features can cause developmental alterations in the form and location of the face, leading to open bite malocclusion. Genetic illnesses such as Crouzon syndrome and Apert syndrome have been linked to an increased chance of acquiring this problem due to changes in face shape produced by these ailments.

Sucking on thumbs, pacifiers, or other foreign objects can also create tooth alignment issues, resulting in an open bite. When a person speaks or swallows while pushing their tongue between their upper and lower front teeth, gaps can form, contributing to an open bite. An open bite can be caused by malformations in the development of the mandible or upper jaw bones.

The temporomandibular joint disease causes persistent jaw discomfort. Sometimes people use their tongue to push their teeth apart and comfortably realign their jaw, which can lead to an open bite 

Does an Open Bite Worsen Over Time?

Untreated orthodontic malocclusions, particularly open bites, tend to worsen over time, stressing the significance of obtaining early treatment to avoid more damage and suffering. If you have an open bite, whether you are a toddler, a teen, or an adult, you should get medical attention.

Even if the teeth haven’t fully developed, it’s simpler when they’re still young. There are several procedures for narrowing gaps between teeth. An aligner can help rectify minor or moderate overbites.