Openbites & Closed Bites

Openbites result when the upper and lower teeth do not overlap or make tooth contact. Anterior openbites result in only the posterior teeth making contact. Posterior or lateral openbites are where the side or back teeth do not meet and only the front teeth make tooth contact.

Openbites in children or adolescents can be the result of enlarged tonsils and adenoids or allergies which lead to mouthbreathing, oral habits such as tongue thrust or finger sucking and excessive vertical facial growth. In adults, most openbites have resulted from an inherited tendency for excessive vertical facial growth.

Consequences of openbites are mouthbreathing resulting in gum disease, excessive wear on the back or front teeth, inefficient chewing and misalignment and damage to the jaw joints.

Treatment of openbites in children with habits can be successful if the habit is discouraged early in development. Also, alterations in vertical facial growth can be achieved with orthodontic appliances. In adults, some openbites can be corrected with orthodontic braces alone but in many cases, jaw surgery will be required to correct the openbite and achieve a balanced occlusion.

A closed bite is where the upper front teeth extend over the lower front teeth causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Deep bites are inherited and usually develop due to a receding underdeveloped lower jaw.

Closed bites contribute to gum recession and excessive wearing on the upper and lower front teeth due to occlusal trauma, inefficient chewing function and misalignment of the jaw joints.

Treatment of deep bites is ideal during a facial growth period. At this time the lower jaw and teeth can be developed in a more forward and downward vertical position to correct the deep bite. Functional appliances, headgears and full orthodontic braces are used in various combinations to achieve an ideal occlusion. In adults, deep bites can sometimes be corrected orthodontically, but in severe cases jaw surgery may be required.