Open Bite Correction

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don't touch when the back teeth are closed together, leaving a visible gap. It can develop from genetics, prolonged thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or the way the jaws grow. Dr. Aesha Chaudhry, an orthodontist and board-certified pediatric dentist, evaluates open bites in children, teens, and adults and builds a treatment plan suited to the cause and severity of the bite.

Diagnosing the Bite

Digital Dental X-Rays — give a detailed view of developing teeth and roots to help identify contributing factors.
Cephalometric X-Rays — show how the jaws and facial bones relate, which helps clarify whether the open bite is dental or skeletal.
Digital Treatment Planning — combines scans and X-rays into one plan so each stage of correction is mapped out in advance.

Treatment Options

Habit Appliances — help stop thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that can keep an open bite from closing.
Palatal Expanders — widen a narrow upper jaw when crowding or a crossbite accompanies the open bite.
Headgear — guides jaw growth in patients who are still growing.
Traditional Metal Braces, Clear Braces, or Champagne-Colored Braces — move teeth into a closed, aligned bite.
Invisalign or Open Bite Correction — a removable option for some open bite cases, depending on the individual bite.