Open bite are a type of malocclusion where the front upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. Malocclusion is a general term for misaligned teeth. Having space between your upper and lower front teeth may make you conscious about your smile and when you talk.
Only metal braces could correct an open bite in the past, but different treatments, such as Invisalign clear aligners, are now available for correcting this orthodontic problem.
What causes an open bite?
An open bite may result from an inherited dental or skeletal problem, which means you may have inherited your open bite from your parents, and your siblings may have the same problem.
You may also develop an open birth during childhood or as an adult due to poor oral habits. Common habits that may lead to open bite include:
- Tongue thrusting- which may result from poor swallowing habits
- Thumb sucking – sucking your thumb or lower lip can create a space between your upper and lower teeth.
- Poor tongue posture- pushing your tongue against your front teeth may create a space between your upper and lower teeth
Signs and symptoms
The obvious sign of an open bite is the space between your upper and lower front teeth when you close your mouth. Asides from the inability of your upper and lower front teeth to meet, an open bite may cause the following.
- Difficulty in swallowing and chewing
- Speech problems, including lisping
- Misalignment of other teeth
- Difficulty in closing the mouth
- Distortion of the chin and jawline
Why do you need to correct an open bite?
It may not cause any immediate discomfort, but correcting the issue on time is necessary because it may cause you physical and emotional problems. If you have an open bite, ensure you visit your orthodontist for treatment to avoid the following.
- Low quality of sleep
- Low self-esteem
- Inability to chew and bite food
- Speech difficulties
Does Invisalign correct open bite problem?
Invisalign aligners can correct an open bite. Although correcting this orthodontic problem is usually difficult, but an Invisalign treatment from an Invisalign expert will correctly realign your teeth.
When you visit an Invisalign dentist, they will examine your teeth to determine if Invisalign is a suitable treatment for you. The dentist will take 3D impressions of your teeth and show you the before and after look of other patients to help you decide whether or not you want to use Invisalign to correct your bite problems.
After the orthodontist takes your 3D teeth impressions, they will send the teeth impressions to the lab to create your clear aligner trays, which you will wear daily. You need to wear each of the aligners for about two weeks before switching to a new set.
Invisalign aligner treatment, unlike traditional metal braces, uses clear plastic aligners to move the teeth to their correct positions gradually. With Invisalign aligners, you will not deal with metal brackets and wires.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
The duration of Invisalign treatment for all malocclusion depends on the severity of the malocclusion. The treatment may require for a minor case at least 3 months for A minor case, while for moderate cases Invisalign treatment may last for about 18 months.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign for open bite offers several benefits and has several advantages over braces. These benefits include:
- Discrete treatment
Invisalign treatment involves wearing virtually invisible aligners, which means people would not easily notice your aligners, unlike traditional braces, which use metal braces. You can keep your treatment discreet.
- Removable and easy to clean
Invisalign aligners are removable. You can remove the aligner trays to eat, drink and brush your teeth, but with metal braces, food will get stuck in the brackets because the brackets are fixed to the teeth.
- Improved self-esteem
With Invisalign treatment for your open bite, you would have perfectly aligned teeth, improving your self-confidence and helping you interact freely with others.
- Personalised treatment
Invisalign aligners are custom-made, so they fit the teeth perfectly. Each set of Invisalign aligners will fit your teeth in their current position and gradually move them into alignment.
- Convenience and comfort
Invisalign aligners gradually move the teeth by applying a little pressure on the jaw and teeth. The result is less painful than teeth movement with braces.
If you have an open bite, you can get Invisalign treatment for your open bite. You can also visit here to book a free consultation for Invisalign.
