An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed. Instead of fitting together naturally, there’s a visible gap—typically in the front teeth or, less commonly, in the back molars. This condition can make biting and chewing food difficult, and it often affects speech patterns and facial appearance. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Laura Davis evaluates each patient carefully to determine the presence and extent of an open bite and whether intervention is necessary.
There are two main types of open bites: anterior and posterior. Anterior open bites involve the front teeth and are most commonly caused by oral habits or skeletal development issues. Posterior open bites, which involve the back teeth, are less common and can be more complex to treat. Regardless of the type, early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan are essential for effective correction and long-term stability.
Root Causes of Open Bites
Open bites can result from a range of causes, including both behavioral and structural factors. One of the most common contributors is prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use in childhood. These habits can interfere with normal tooth eruption and jaw development, creating long-term changes in the bite pattern. Another frequent cause is tongue thrusting—where the tongue pushes forward against the teeth during swallowing or speaking—which can gradually drive the teeth apart.
Skeletal discrepancies also play a significant role, especially when the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates or in different directions. In these cases, genetics may be a contributing factor. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or airway obstructions due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids can also lead to improper jaw posture, which may result in an open bite. Dr. Davis and her team in Lawrenceville, Morrow, Stone Mountain, and Loganville take all these factors into account when diagnosing and planning treatment.
Symptoms and Daily Impact
The most obvious sign of an open bite is the visible space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is fully closed. But beyond the aesthetics, this condition can lead to several functional challenges. Patients with open bites often find it difficult to bite into foods like sandwiches or apples, and chewing efficiency is usually compromised. Speech difficulties, such as lisps or other articulation issues, are also common.
In more severe cases, open bites can contribute to chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorders due to the uneven pressure placed on certain parts of the jaw. Over time, these issues can affect the overall health of the temporomandibular joints and the muscles involved in chewing and speaking. That’s why it’s important not to ignore the signs, even if the open bite seems minor. The sooner Dr. Davis can intervene, the more conservative and effective the treatment is likely to be.
Treatment Approaches at Davis Family Orthodontics
The treatment for an open bite depends heavily on the cause and severity of the condition. At Davis Family Orthodontics, Dr. Laura Davis customizes every plan to the patient’s individual needs and developmental stage. For younger children, interceptive orthodontics such as habit appliances or early-phase braces can guide jaw and dental development while eliminating harmful habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting.
In teenagers and adults, options expand to include braces, clear aligners, or even surgical correction for severe skeletal open bites. Braces and aligners can reposition teeth effectively when the underlying bone structure is adequate. For complex cases where the jaw itself is the source of the misalignment, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to realign the upper and lower jaws. This is typically combined with orthodontic treatment to ensure the teeth are positioned correctly before and after surgery.
Ensuring Long-Term Stability
Correcting an open bite is only half the battle—ensuring that the results last is equally important. Relapse is a known risk, especially if the original cause of the open bite (like tongue thrusting) isn’t addressed alongside orthodontic correction. That’s why at Davis Family Orthodontics, long-term stability is built into every treatment plan. Dr. Davis emphasizes comprehensive retention strategies and works with patients to modify contributing habits wherever possible.
Retention typically involves wearing custom-made retainers, which help hold the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. In cases where muscle patterns or speech habits were contributing factors, referral to a myofunctional therapist or speech therapist may be recommended. These specialists can retrain muscle behavior to support the corrected bite. Regular follow-up appointments help Dr. Davis monitor retention and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bite remains healthy and functional.
Your Partner in Lasting Smile Transformation
Davis Family Orthodontics serves patients across Lawrenceville, Morrow, Stone Mountain, and Loganville, GA, with a focus on long-term oral health—not just cosmetic fixes. Dr. Laura Davis believes in empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and involving them in the decision-making process. By combining advanced diagnostic tools, personalized care, and evidence-based treatments, the practice offers solutions that go beyond surface-level corrections.
Open bites can be more than a cosmetic concern; they can impact how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. With a thorough understanding of the causes and a tailored treatment plan, Dr. Davis helps patients of all ages achieve lasting correction and improved oral function. If you suspect you or your child may have an open bite, a consultation at Davis Family Orthodontics is a proactive step toward better health and confidence.
Sources:
Proffit, W. R., Fields, H. W., & Sarver, D. M. (2018). Contemporary Orthodontics. Elsevier.
Medeiros, P. J., & Behrents, R. G. (2021). Long-term stability of anterior open-bite treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Justus, R. (2001). Correction of anterior open bite with spurs: long-term stability. World Journal of Orthodontics.
