In orthodontics, an open bite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth, where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This gap between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth can affect both the functionality and aesthetics of a person's smile.

There are two main types of open bites:

Anterior Open Bite:

This is the most common type of open bite and involves the front teeth. In an anterior open bite, the front upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is fully closed, which can make biting and chewing certain foods difficult.

Posterior Open Bite:

Less common, a posterior open bite occurs when the back teeth do not touch when the jaws are closed, leaving a gap between the upper and lower teeth at the sides of the mouth. This can lead to excessive wear on the front teeth, which have to compensate for the lack of contact at the back.

Open bites can be caused by various factors, including:

Prolonged Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use: Habits that apply pressure to the teeth or jaw can inhibit proper growth and alignment.

Tongue Thrusting:

A habit where the tongue presses too far forward in the mouth, pushing against the teeth.

Skeletal Discrepancies:

Differences in the growth rates of the upper and lower jaws can lead to an open bite.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD/TMJ):

Issues with the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement can sometimes result in an open bite.

Genetics:

In some cases, open bites can be inherited.

Treatment for an open bite often involves orthodontics to move the teeth into the correct position. In more severe cases, particularly where the cause is skeletal, surgery might be necessary to adjust the position of the jaws.

Early intervention, especially for habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, can help prevent the development of an open bite.