Open Bite Treatment

What Causes an Open Bite?

You might wonder, “What causes an open bite?” There are a few main reasons:

• Thumb sucking: If a child sucks their thumb for a long time, it can push the front teeth forward and create an open bite.
• Tongue thrusting: Some people push their tongue against their teeth when they swallow or talk. Over time, this can cause the teeth to shift out of place.
• Using a pacifier: Using a pacifier for too long can also lead to open bite teeth.
• Genetics: Sometimes, an open bite runs in families. The way the jaw grows can increase its likelihood of developing.
• Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can affect how the teeth and jaws grow.
• Jaw growth problems: Sometimes, the bones in the face and jaw grow in a way that keeps the teeth from meeting.

Why Should You Treat Open Bite Teeth?

If you don’t treat open bite teeth, your patients can face a lot of problems:

• Trouble biting and chewing food
• Speech problems, like a lisp or trouble saying certain sounds
• Jaw pain or discomfort
• Teeth that wear down faster
• Feeling embarrassed about their smile

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.

Open Bite Orthodontics: How Does It Work?

Open bite orthodontics is all about moving the teeth so they meet properly. There are several ways to achieve this, but clear aligners are gaining popularity every year. Eledent Aligners are an excellent choice for treating open bites. They are made just for your patient’s teeth and move them step by step.

How Eledent Aligners Help With Open Bite

Eledent 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 Eledent Aligners are great for open bite treatment:

• They are almost invisible, so patients don’t feel embarrassed.
• They are removable, so eating and brushing teeth is easy.
• They are comfortable—no metal or wires poking the mouth.
• They work well for mild to moderate open bite teeth.

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.

Treatment of Open Bite: Your Options

You have a few choices when it comes to the treatment of an open bite:

1. Clear Aligners (Eledent Aligners)

Clear aligners are a smart choice for many patients. They are easy to use and blend in. Eledent Aligners are custom-made for your patient’s mouth and gently move the teeth.

2. Braces

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.

3. Appliances

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.

4. Surgery

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.

How To Fix an Open Bite Without Braces

Many patients ask, “How to fix an open bite without braces?” The answer is clear aligners. Eledent Aligners are a great way to treat mild to moderate open bite without metal braces. Your patients can take them out to eat and brush, and most people won’t even notice they’re wearing them.

How To Fix an Open Bite

Here’s how you can help your patients fix open bite teeth:

1. Check the bite: Take a close look at your patient’s teeth and bite. Use digital scans to get a clear picture.
2. Create a plan: Collaborate with Eledent to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your patient’s needs.
3. Start aligners: Give your patient their first set of Eledent Aligners. Show them how to use and care for them.
4. Monitor progress: Check in with your patient every few weeks to assess their progress and address any questions they may have.
5. Finish strong: At the end of treatment, give your patient a retainer to keep their new smile in place.

Can Clear Aligners Fix an Open Bite?

Yes, clear aligners can fix many cases of open bite teeth. They are most effective for mild to moderate cases and for patients who adhere to the plan. For severe cases, you may need to combine aligners with other treatments.

Anterior Open Bite: Special Considerations

Anterior open bite is when the front teeth don’t touch. This is the most common type of open bite. It can make it hard to bite into foods and can affect speech. Eledent Aligners are especially effective for treating anterior open bites because they can gently and precisely move the front teeth.

Open Bite Before and After

Patients love to see their progress. Take photos before and after open bite orthodontics. Show your patients how much their smile has changed. This helps them feel proud and encourages others to start treatment too.