The term “open bite” is usually referred to an anterior open bite. People who suffer from this problem have their front teeth both in the upper and the lower row slant outward. As a result of this unusual slant, the teeth do not touch each other when the mouth is shut. It is important to mention in this context that an open bite is a type of orthodontic malocclusion of the teeth. In simple and easy words in this particular condition the teeth do not align properly when the jaws are closed.
Highly experienced dentists who work at the Thousand Smiles Dental Clinic in London explain the problem of open bite is basically caused by the following four factors.
Modern dentistry offers many treatments to correct an open bite problem. A dentist will recommend the best way out to a patient based on two primary factors – the age of a patient and whether the individual possesses baby teeth or adult permanent teeth. As far as the treatment options are concerned there exist several methods like behaviour modification, treatment using mechanical appliances like orthodontic braces and Invisalign clear aligner trays and obviously invasive surgery which is mostly applicable for the most severe cases.
When an open bite condition is diagnosed in younger patients who still have most of their milk teeth intact then the problem is resolved by putting a stop to the childhood activity of a patient which is causing the problem. As far as young children are concerned, putting a stop to their habit of sucking on the thumb or a pacifier usually solves the problem for once and for all.
According to orthodontic experts behaviour modification is one of the best courses of action in cases of development of an open bite when the adult teeth are replacing the milk teeth but the adult teeth are not fully grown and settled yet. This category of treatment plans also usually include therapy to correct habitual thrusting of the tongue explains a dentist who deals with different types of open bite cases over the years.
In other cases if it is found that the permanent teeth are growing into the same pattern of an open bite as the milk teeth then orthodontists usually recommend custom designed braces to pull back the teeth. The treatment is different for those who already have their permanent teeth already grown in completely; this category of patients is recommended a combination of custom designed braces and behaviour modification. Invasive jaw surgeries are reserved for the most challenging cases. This range of surgical procedures relies on appliances like screws and plates to reposition the upper jaw. Other procedures that are also used considering the underneath matter that leads to a problem of open bite include use of roller appliance and head gear. The roller appliance limits the ability of your tongue to thrust against the teeth at the front of the mouth whereas a head gear exerts pressure on your jaws to bring them into the right position to facilitate aligned growth.
The side effects of an open bite can be severe resulting from fractured teeth to aesthetic concerns and include the following possibilities
If you experience any of the issues discussed above because of your open bite, you should not waste any more time and seek an appointment immediately with a dentist or an orthodontist to consult about your right treatment option suggest dentists working at the renowned Thousand Smiles Dental Clinic.
An open bite issue can be treated at any age but it is important to note that the treatment is much less painful as well as easier when the permanent teeth have not grown in completely. It is better for the children who suffer from an open bite to undergo a dental evaluation around the age of 7 years. At this age they retain some of their milk teeth and thus making a correct assessment is easier. Moreover this is also an ideal age to start certain procedures which help avoiding development of an open bite like behaviour modification.
On the other hand addressing an open bite in adults is much more challenging says a dentist who charges reasonable cost in the UK for open bite treatment. The correctional procedures often require a combination of mechanical appliances (like braces) and behavioural treatment. And if the truth is to be told, a large number of these cases also require invasive jaw surgery.
