Open Bite in Dentistry: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An open bite is a dental condition with a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the jaws are closed. The misalignment, in this case, means that the teeth may not close properly in a way. The condition can cause various dental and oral health problems and can even lead to more severe issues when left untreated. The following paper looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatment for open bites at the dental care in Plymouth.

Causes of Open Bite Open

• Genetics: The open bite may be genetic and run in families. Certain family factors may determine how one’s jaw and teeth develop and occasionally lead to misalignments, including open bites.
• Thumb sucking: When one child sucks one’s thumb or use a pacifier for an extended period, the front teeth may be forced forward, thus creating an open bite condition.
• Tongue thrusting: A habit of keeping the tongue against the front teeth may create the space for an open bite to develop.
• Other childhood habits: Open bite may also occur if one uses a bottle for too long.

The Symptoms of an Open Bite

•         Open space when the jaws are closed.
•         Difficulty biting or chewing some types of food.
•         Speech issues, such as a lisp or having a problem with some sounds.
•         Temporomandibular joint disorders.

Treatment for Open Bite

The treatment for open bite varies depending on the severity and underlying cause. Some of the standard treatments include an orthodontic treatment. Braces or clear aligners can be used to close the gap or correct the teeth’s alignment from the root. Surgical treatment is done in case the orthodontic treatment is not working, more profound and extensive treatment can be done through surgery. Behavioral change- if an open bite is caused by common habits like thumbsucking and tongue thrusting, the patients can change their behaviors and observe the existing open bite. Patients receive comprehensive dental care in Plymouth, which can be used to treat open bites. Due to the varying open posture, depending on what causes the disorder, surgical procedures, behavioral modifications, or dental appliances, can help patients match the correct service to restore dental alignment.

Open bite is a common oral disorder that develops during childhood and can continue into adulthood if untreated. It causes various dental-related problems and exposes patients to many complications. Visit a qualified dentist in Plymouth at the first sign of an open bite for specialized dental care to help you regain your self-esteem.