What Are my Options to Fix my Open Bite?

Question

I've already had braces when I was 16, I'm now 20. My open bite isn't too bad, but bothers me. I've always wanted a beautiful smile and want to know what options I have to fix my open bite.

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

Open bites are the hardest orthodontic problems to correct.  Without more information than just photos it is really hard to know what could be done with you.  In general, if fixed ortho failed the first time it probably wouldn't work the second time.  Invisalign has shown some good results with open bites but sometimes a surgical correction is needed if the problem is skeletal in nature.

	As always, seek out a well trained orthodontist for hard problems...not a general dentist doing Invisalign

Vijay Bhagia, DMD · Answer

I think you really have to fix your open bite, more due to the fact that you have an imbalance in function which may cause abnormal wear and the fact that you might get a TMJ disfunction due to the instability rather than just the esthetics. The good news for you is that Open bites are certainly fixable. The correction depends on 2 things:

	1. Severity: Yours is certainly not the worst but correction may require posterior intrusion with TAD mechanics along with some anterior extrusion of teeth

	2. Cause: Underlying causes like tongue thrust for example must be addressed, if not the open bite might come back!

	Go find yourself a good orthodontist

	Vijay Bhagia, Space Center Orthodontics, Houston TX

What Are my Options to Fix my Open Bite?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What Are my Options to Fix my Open Bite?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.