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Have you ever seen someone smile and their top teeth and bottom teeth look like they are trying to avoid each other like enemies? An open bite is an unusual dental misalignment, where your teeth say, “we need some space.”
We believe every smile is entitled to synergy — not a long distance relationship between your teeth!Now let’s discuss open bite treatment: what causes it, what symptoms to look for, what treatments are available to decrease that distance, and how much it may cost to get rid of that annoying open bite.
What is an open bite?
An open bite refers to a malocclusion – a misaligned bite – where there is no contact between the upper front teeth and the lower teeth when the mouth is fully closed, and there is space between the two sides.
For example, if you take a bite on a sandwich, and all your molars are doing the work, that is how open bites work!
Causes of Open Bite Teeth
What causes open bite teeth? Open bite teeth can be attributed to a variety of causes many of which start early in a person’s life. Let’s explore each of those causes:
1. Sucking thumb or pacifier
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier sucking after the infant stage can move the upper teeth forward and lower teeth back, creating that separation.
2. Tongue Thrusting
Sometimes a person will develop the habit of pushing their tongue between their teeth when they are talking or drinking. This habit usually is one of the top contributors to open bite teeth.
3. Genetics
There are cases when we have to give in — your genetics simply needed to express themselves. Whether it be an inherited jaw shape or inherited growth pattern could lead to an open bite.
4. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
Dysfunction or pain in the jaw joint could also prevent proper occlusion of upper and lower teeth.
5. Growth of Bones Discrepancy
An open bite is when there is a discrepancy in the growth of the upper jaw and lower jaw, causing anterior open bite (meaning the front teeth are not together) or posterior open bite (meaning the back teeth are not together).
Yes, open bites can be caused by habits, genetics or the refusal of the jaw to accept the correct position.
Signs of Open Bite Teeth
If you are wondering if you have an open bite, the following are signs of open bite teeth:
- When you bite your teeth close you can see the space between your top teeth and your bottom teeth.
- You have difficulty gnawing into food like sandwiches, apples, and pizza.
- You have speech difficulties that may show up as a lisp, making incorrect sounds or words confusing sounds in a phrase, and difficulty saying certain things, eating certain foods like apples, burgers etc.
- Difficulty in keeping your lips closed together.
If any of these sound familiar, we recommend making an appointment at Partha Dental. The only thing worse than having an open bite tooth problem is living with it…until it gets worse!
Open Bite Treatment Types
The good news is that open bites CAN be fixed!
We offer multiple open bite treatment types based on your age, the severity of your bite, the cause of the problem, and your financial considerations.
1. Braces
Traditional braces are one of the most effective open bite teeth treatment types available! They move teeth into proper dental occlusion, gently closing that space over time.
Best for: Teens and adults with moderate to severe open bite problem.
2. Clear Aligners
For the more discreet person, a more difficult to notice solution for open bite teeth are clear aligners (such as Invisalign). They are great for correcting the open bite while being close to invisible when being worn.
Most Suitable for: Adults or professionals who desire a subtle and removable option.
3. Myofunctional Therapy
In instances of open bites with habits such as tongue-thrusting or other swallowing habits, myofunctional therapy works on retraining the muscles to function appropriately.
Best for: Open bites from habits usually in children.
4. Orthognathic Jaw Surgery
For severe skeletal open bites, braces may not be enough to complete treatment. Surgical open bite treatment involves repositioning the jaw to achieve a proper bite sync.
Best for: Adults with jaw growth problems.
5. Behavioral Modification for Children
Changing habits early – like thumb sucking or extended pacifier use – can help prevent an open bite from ever developing.
Most Suitable for: Aged under 8 years.
Of course, every patient is different, and here at Partha Dental, we assess how well YOU smile to assess the best open bite treatment type that will last and look natural.
Open Bite Treatment Cost in India
Now let’s talk about the part everyone is curious about – the open bite treatment cost.
At Partha Dental, we truly believe in a focus on transparency, affordability, and value-add to your care. Here is a general idea of course Open Bite Treatment cost you can expect:
Treatment Type | Open Bite Treatment Cost (₹) |
Traditional Braces | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
Clear Aligners (Invisalign) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
Myofunctional Therapy | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
Jaw Surgery | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000+ |
Prices may differ based on the complexity of the bites.
We typically use a combination of different methods. For example, we recommend the use of braces and muscle therapy packages together.
Our aim is to close the space, but more importantly, we want to create a comfortable, natural and confident bite.
And of course, we do have EMI options. Everyone should be able to have a perfect smile, not an empty pocket!
Why Partha Dental for Open Bite Teeth Treatment?
Expert Orthodontists: Our doctors have years of experience treating all sorts of malocclusions from mild open bites to complex skeletal malocclusions.
Cutting Edge Technology: From a 3D scanner to digital design of aligners, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to achieve precise results.
Customized Care Plans: No unnecessary treatments! Each patient receives a customized treatment plan.
Affordable Pricing: We make sure your smile is worth every rupee.
With Partha Dental, your open bite orthodontic treatment will be “closed” in no time!
Before and After: Life After Open Bite Treatment
After open bite treatment, patients typically experience:
- Improved speech clarity
- Easier chewing functions
- A more balanced facial profile
- A much more confident smile, free of gaps
And most importantly — the pleasure of biting into that burger without a mysterious bite mark in the middle!
Book your FREE consultationFAQS
No, Open bite treatment is usually not painful. You may feel slight discomfort or pressure after an adjustment of your braces or aligners. However, this is temporary.
Open bite treatment takes anywhere from 12-24 months depending on the severity of the bite and type of treatment.
In very young children with mild open bite, an open bite may resolve with a cessation of harmful habits. Sadly, treatment will be needed from a dentist for teens and adults.
Open bite can create problems with speech, and pain in the jaw, and cause excessive wear of the teeth leading to joint problems in the end.
Dental Questions? We’re here to help!
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.