4 Things Parents Need To Know About Open Bites

There are many different problems that can affect your child's bite, and one of the most obvious is an open bite. An open bite is exactly what it sounds like: when your child bites down, their teeth won't come together in the front, leaving a noticeable opening. Here's what you need to know about this problem.

What causes an open bite?

An open bite is usually caused by the force of the tongue pushing against the front teeth. Some people's tongues push against the backs of their front teeth when they swallow, which, over time, can cause an open bite. Other people's tongues naturally rest against the backs of the front teeth. In cases where the tongue isn't to blame, other causes such as thumb sucking can be responsible.

Isn't an open bite just a cosmetic problem?

An open bite is much more than just a cosmetic problem. Children with an open bite have trouble biting or chewing their food since their teeth don't come together properly. These actions also put a lot of strain on their jaw joints, which can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder. This is a disorder of the jaw joint that leads to pain and stiffness and can sometimes keep sufferers from opening their mouths all the way.

How common is this problem?

Studies have shown that about half of all children have some degree of tooth misalignment, but open bite is a relatively uncommon type of misalignment. It only affects about 1% of American children, but is more common among some groups. It's five times more common among black children than among children of other races.

How can an open bite be fixed?

An open bite is the most difficult type of tooth misalignment to treat, so orthodontists are always trying to figure out better ways to treat the condition. One modern treatment is a type of retainer called a temporary skeletal anchorage device. These retainers are worn on both the upper and lower teeth.

They are made of a network of wires and springs that reposition the teeth over time. The device also has tongue spurs; these are metal posts that are attached to the backs of the lower front teeth to keep the tongue from pushing the teeth forward and interfering with the treatment.

An open bite is a serious dental problem, but it can be fixed with orthodontic treatment. If your child has an open bite, you need to see an orthodontist right away. For more information, contact a local dental clinic like Crest Hill Family Dental.