What an open bite is

An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the top and bottom teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. Instead of touching, there is a visible gap.

‍

Anterior open bite

The front teeth don’t touch.

Posterior open bite

The back teeth don’t touch.

‍

Open bites can be dental (tooth‑related) or skeletal (jaw‑related).

‍

What causes an open bite

Open bites can develop for several reasons:

‍

Genetics and jaw growth

Inherited jaw patterns can prevent teeth from meeting properly.

Thumb sucking or dummy use

Prolonged habits push teeth forward.

Tongue thrusting

The tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing or speech.

Mouth breathing

Can affect jaw posture and tooth eruption.

Jaw injuries

Trauma can disrupt normal bite alignment.

Tooth eruption issues

Baby teeth falling out early or permanent teeth erupting incorrectly.

‍

Symptoms of an open bite

Open bites are often easy to spot:

‍

Visible gap between teeth

Front or back teeth don’t touch when biting down.

Difficulty chewing

Food is harder to bite or tear.

Speech issues

Lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.

Jaw discomfort

Misalignment can cause strain.

Aesthetic concerns

The smile may appear uneven.

‍

Types of open bite

Anterior open bite

Front teeth don’t overlap.

Posterior open bite

Back teeth don’t meet.

Dental open bite

Caused by tooth eruption issues.

Skeletal open bite

Caused by jaw growth patterns.

‍

Why an open bite should be treated

Untreated open bites can lead to:

• Difficulty chewing
• Speech problems
• Excess wear on back teeth
• Swallowing issues
• Jaw discomfort

‍

Treatment improves function, comfort and appearance.

‍

Open bite problems vs solutions

How open bites are treated

Treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Clear aligners

Effective for mild to moderate anterior open bites.

Braces

Used when more precise control is needed.

Habit correction

Tongue thrusting or thumb sucking must be addressed.

Jaw surgery

Required for severe skeletal open bites.

Appliances

Tongue cribs, bite blocks or chin cups may be used.

‍

How Toothfairy helps with open bites

Virtual assessments

Dentists review photos and bite position.

Clear aligner treatment

Suitable for mild to moderate anterior open bites.

Habit guidance

Support for tongue thrusting or thumb‑sucking issues.

Emergency support

Help with pain, swelling or infection.

Referral when needed

Advice for cases requiring specialist care.

‍

Your open bite questions answered

Can clear aligners fix an open bite?

Yes — for mild to moderate anterior open bites.

Do open bites get worse over time?

They can, especially if caused by habits or jaw growth.

Can children outgrow an open bite?

Some childhood open bites self‑correct.

Is surgery always needed?

Only for severe skeletal cases.

Can an open bite affect speech?

Yes — lisps and pronunciation issues are common.