Types of Open Bite:
An open bite is a type of misalignment where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. While it may sound like a simple issue, there are actually different types of open bite, each with its own causes, effects, and treatment options.
In this guide, we break down the most common types of open bite, how they affect your oral health and appearance, and what can be done to correct them.
What Is an Open Bite?
An open bite occurs when there is a noticeable gap between the upper and lower teeth when the back teeth are together. This can happen at the front of the mouth, the back, or in some cases across multiple areas.
Depending on the cause and severity, open bites can affect:
- Chewing and speech
- Facial appearance
- Tooth wear and gum health
- Jaw comfort and alignment
Let us look at the main types of open bite in more detail.
1. Anterior Open Bite
This is the most common type of open bite. It occurs when the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between the upper and lower incisors.
Causes:
- Thumb or dummy sucking in childhood
- Tongue thrusting during swallowing or speaking
- Genetics or abnormal jaw growth
- Long term use of bottles or dummies
Common Signs:
- Gap between upper and lower front teeth
- Difficulty biting into food
- Speech issues such as a lisp
Treatment Options:
- Invisalign or braces for tooth repositioning
- Myofunctional therapy to correct tongue habits
- In complex cases, jaw surgery may be needed
2. Posterior Open Bite
A posterior open bite occurs when the back teeth do not meet, even when the front teeth close together. This is less common but can cause significant issues with chewing and jaw function.
Causes:
- Improper eruption of adult molars
- Tongue positioning pushing against back teeth
- Genetic jaw development issues
Common Signs:
- Gaps between upper and lower molars
- Difficulty chewing food fully
- A feeling that your bite does not close properly
Treatment Options:
- Braces or aligners to adjust molar position
- Therapy to address tongue posture
- In some cases, surgery for jaw realignment
3. Dental Open Bite
A dental open bite is caused by tooth positioning, rather than the underlying jaw structure. It may affect the front or back teeth, depending on which teeth are misaligned.
Causes:
- Habitual behaviours such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing
- Uneven eruption of teeth
- Crowding or spacing issues
Common Signs:
- Specific teeth not meeting
- Gaps that are tooth-related rather than skeletal
Treatment Options:
- Orthodontic treatment with aligners or braces
- Addressing the habits causing the bite
- Retainers and long term monitoring
4. Skeletal Open Bite
This type of open bite is caused by the shape and growth of the jawbones, rather than just the position of the teeth. It often runs in families and may be harder to treat with braces alone.
Causes:
- Genetic factors
- Vertical overgrowth of the jaw
- Underdevelopment of certain areas of the face
Common Signs:
- Severe gap between upper and lower teeth
- Noticeable facial imbalance
- Limited success with braces alone
Treatment Options:
- Jaw surgery combined with orthodontics
- Close monitoring of facial growth in younger patients
- Specialist referral for complex bite correction
Why It Matters to Know Your Bite Type
Understanding the type of open bite you have helps your dentist or orthodontist design the most effective treatment plan. Each type has its own underlying cause and may respond differently to treatment.
At Tooth Club, we use advanced 3D scanning and digital planning to assess your bite accurately and offer personalised solutions tailored to your needs.
Let’s Find the Right Solution for Your Bite
Whatever type of open bite you are dealing with, you do not have to manage it alone. From improving the way your teeth come together to supporting better jaw function and facial balance, correcting an open bite can bring long term benefits.
At Tooth Club, we offer modern, personalised treatment to help you achieve a smile that works and looks exactly as it should.
Book your consultation today to discover your bite type and explore the best options for correction.