If your top and bottom teeth, particularly the front ones, don't touch when you bite down, you likely have a condition known as an openbite.
Understanding an Openbite
According to definitions in dental contexts, an openbite is defined as a lack of vertical overlap of the incisor (front) teeth. This means exactly what you're experiencing: when you close your mouth or bite down, your upper and lower front teeth do not make contact.
This condition is a type of malocclusion, which is simply a misalignment of the teeth or jaws. While the lack of contact is most noticeable at the front, openbites can sometimes occur in other parts of the mouth as well.
Common Causes of Openbite
Understanding why an openbite develops is the first step to addressing it. Based on clinical findings, an openbite results when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting down. The primary reasons for this lack of contact typically fall into two main categories:
- Growth Abnormalities: An openbite can be caused by abnormal growth of one of both jaws. If the upper or lower jaw (or both) grows in a way that prevents the front teeth from coming together, an openbite will form. This is often related to genetics and skeletal development.
- Habits: Certain prolonged habits can also contribute significantly to developing an openbite. Most notably, it can be caused by a thumb or finger sucking habit. When a finger or thumb is constantly resting between the front teeth, especially during crucial growth periods, it can physically push the teeth and even affect jaw development, preventing the teeth from aligning properly.
Other factors, although not specified in the provided reference, can sometimes include tongue thrusting (where the tongue pushes forward between the teeth when swallowing) or the use of pacifiers beyond a certain age.
Impact and Solutions
Having an openbite can impact several aspects of your life, including:
- Difficulty biting into certain foods.
- Speech impediments (lisp).
- Excessive wear on the teeth that do touch (often the back teeth).
- Aesthetic concerns.
Fortunately, openbites are treatable. Options vary depending on the cause and severity and are typically managed by dental professionals like orthodontists. Treatment might involve:
- Orthodontic appliances (like braces or clear aligners) to reposition teeth.
- Habit correction therapy (especially for thumb/finger sucking or tongue thrusting).
- In severe cases related to significant jaw growth issues, surgical intervention might be considered.
Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for successful and stable treatment. If you are concerned about an openbite, consulting a dental professional is the best course of action to get a proper diagnosis and discuss potential solutions.
Common Causes of Openbite
| Cause | Description | Examples/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abnormal Jaw Growth | Jaws develop in a way that prevents contact. | Often genetic or developmental. |
| Oral Habits | Actions that push teeth out of alignment. | Thumb sucking, finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use, tongue thrust. |
Remember, understanding the cause is the first step toward finding the right solution for your specific situation.
