Types of Open Bite
March 26, 2025
Are you struggling to bite comfortably into your favorite sandwich, feeling embarrassed when biting into an apple, or hesitant to smile freely because your teeth don't quite come together? An open bite isn't merely an aesthetic issue—it can significantly disrupt your daily routine, affecting how you eat, how clearly you speak, and how confidently you interact socially and professionally. Many people silently endure these discomforts without realizing effective solutions are available. Imagine being able to enjoy meals effortlessly, speak without worry, and smile confidently without second-guessing your appearance.
At Parsons Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing personalized orthodontic solutions designed to transform your smile and improve your quality of life. In this guide, we'll clearly outline the types of open bites, delve into their underlying causes, and highlight the most advanced and effective treatments available to help you regain a functional, beautiful smile.
What is an open bite?
An open bite is a dental condition characterized by a noticeable gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is fully closed. Unlike other bite issues, such as overbites or underbites, open bites specifically refer to spaces where teeth fail to meet. This gap can affect either the front teeth or the back teeth, creating significant functional and aesthetic issues.
Patients often first notice difficulties with chewing or biting into foods, such as sandwiches or apples. Additionally, speech problems such as lisps or slurred speech might develop due to the tongue's improper placement. Over time, an untreated open bite can lead to uneven wear of the teeth, strain in the jaw muscles, and even temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
Fortunately, diagnosing an open bite early and choosing appropriate orthodontic treatments can dramatically improve dental health and quality of life. Understanding your condition thoroughly is the first step towards finding a lasting solution.
The different types of open bites
Not all open bites are the same—each type has distinct characteristics, challenges, and implications for your dental health. Understanding exactly what type of open bite you have is crucial for selecting the most effective treatment plan. Whether it's an issue affecting your front teeth, back teeth, or even one side of your mouth, recognizing these differences early on helps in addressing functional and aesthetic concerns promptly. Let's explore the various types of open bites to give you a clear picture of what you might be experiencing and how we at Parsons Orthodontics can help.
Posterior open bite
A posterior open bite occurs when the back teeth—typically the molars and premolars—fail to make contact when the jaw is closed. As a result, chewing becomes less efficient because the teeth responsible for grinding food aren't functioning properly. This can lead to challenges with digestion, as food isn't broken down adequately before swallowing, which may affect overall nutrition and eating comfort.
This condition is often caused by abnormal jaw growth, eruption issues, or misaligned molars, and although it is less common than an anterior open bite, its impact can be just as disruptive. Many patients find themselves relying more on their front teeth for chewing, which can lead to excessive wear and sensitivity in those teeth over time.
If you're noticing discomfort or inefficiency while chewing, especially toward the back of your mouth, it may be time to consult with an orthodontist. At Parsons Orthodontics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your bite and offer treatment options—from braces to clear aligners—that correct molar alignment, improve bite function, and bring long-term comfort back to your everyday meals.
Anterior open bite
An anterior open bite is one of the most common types of bite issues and is characterized by a visible gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. This often results in difficulty biting into foods like sandwiches, fruits, or pizza slices. But beyond eating challenges, this condition can also affect how you speak—leading to lisps or speech distortion—and significantly influence your self-confidence.
Most anterior open bites are developed during childhood, often as a result of habits like thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue thrusting. However, in some cases, they can also stem from genetic factors or skeletal growth patterns that affect the development of the jaw.
The good news is that anterior open bites respond well to treatment, especially when addressed early. At Parsons Orthodontics, we focus on personalized treatment plans that not only correct the bite but also help manage or eliminate the underlying behaviors contributing to it. Whether through early interceptive orthodontics, traditional braces, or clear aligners, we help restore a natural bite and a confident, healthy smile.
Skeletal Open Bite
A skeletal open bite is typically the result of jawbone discrepancies rather than tooth positioning alone. In these cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different angles or rates, creating a vertical gap between the teeth even when they are properly aligned. This condition is often inherited and tends to be more complex than other types of open bites, requiring a multi-phase treatment approach.
Skeletal open bites may be accompanied by other facial asymmetries or elongated facial profiles, which can affect both function and appearance. Patients may experience difficulties biting and chewing, speech issues, and even breathing challenges in some cases.
Because skeletal open bites involve the bone structure itself, orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient. In many cases, a combination of braces or aligners and orthognathic surgery is necessary to reposition the jaws and correct the bite. At Parsons Orthodontics, we work closely with oral surgeons to design a comprehensive, step-by-step plan to restore optimal function and improve facial harmony.
Dental Open Bite
In contrast to skeletal open bites, a dental open bite stems from issues related solely to the position of the teeth, rather than the structure of the jaw. This type of open bite often results from habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, or even mouth breathing—especially during early childhood, when the teeth and jaws are still developing.
Dental open bites can present in the front (anterior), sides (lateral), or back (posterior) of the mouth and may vary in severity. Patients often struggle with biting into foods or pronouncing certain sounds, but unlike skeletal open bites, the jaw structure remains within normal limits.
Fortunately, dental open bites respond well to orthodontic treatment, especially when diagnosed early. Braces or Invisalign® clear aligners can gently reposition the teeth into their ideal location, closing the bite and restoring full function. At Parsons Orthodontics, we create custom treatment plans that not only correct alignment but also help patients eliminate any underlying habits to prevent the issue from recurring.
Lateral open bite
A lateral open bite occurs when there’s a gap on one or both sides of the mouth, preventing proper contact between the upper and lower side teeth. This asymmetry can make chewing uneven and inefficient, often leading patients to favor one side of the mouth, which can cause further imbalances and discomfort over time.
This condition may be caused by uneven jaw growth, habitual chewing patterns, or missing teeth that allow adjacent teeth to shift out of position. Over time, these imbalances can result in jaw muscle fatigue, pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and even visible changes in facial symmetry.
Patients with lateral open bites often don’t realize how much strain they’re putting on their jaw until symptoms begin to appear. That’s why early diagnosis and intervention are crucial. At Parsons Orthodontics, we provide customized treatment options to align the bite, relieve pressure on the jaw muscles, and ensure long-term oral health and comfort.
Complete open bite
A complete open bite is the most severe form of this condition, where none of the upper and lower teeth come into contact when the jaw is closed. This not only makes it extremely difficult to chew and speak, but it also greatly affects the appearance of the smile and the overall harmony of the face.
Complete open bites often result from skeletal discrepancies, chronic tongue thrusting, or a combination of genetic and habitual factors. Because the entire dental arch is affected, treatment is typically more complex and may involve a combination of orthodontic appliances and surgical correction, especially in adult patients.
Living with a complete open bite can be frustrating, but there are effective solutions available. At Parsons Orthodontics, we work closely with oral surgeons when necessary to develop a multidisciplinary treatment plan that addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your bite. Our goal is not only to align your teeth but to help you regain the confidence, comfort, and quality of life that you deserve.
What Causes an Open Bite?
An open bite can arise from several different factors—some within our control, and others that are not. Understanding the root cause of your open bite is essential to choosing the most effective treatment. While genetics may play a leading role, certain behaviors and habits developed during early childhood, such as thumb sucking or incorrect tongue posture, can also greatly influence the way your teeth and jaw develop. Additionally, physiological factors like chronic mouth breathing can contribute to jaw and bite issues that evolve over time.
At Parsons Orthodontics, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we work with you to uncover the source of your open bite. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that not only improves your smile but also supports your long-term oral health. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes behind an open bite:
Open Bite Due to Genetics or a Skeletal Problem
One of the most significant contributors to an open bite is genetics. Just as we inherit eye color or facial features from our parents, jaw structure and alignment tendencies can also be passed down. Some individuals are born with a vertical growth pattern of the jaw, which leads to the upper and lower teeth being unable to meet when the mouth is closed.
Skeletal discrepancies, especially when the jawbones grow at different rates or in abnormal directions, often result in open bites that are more complex and harder to correct with braces alone. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach is often needed. This might involve a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery to realign the jaw properly and achieve a functional bite.
That said, early detection is crucial. If caught during a child’s growth phase, orthodontic treatments can help guide jaw development and potentially prevent the need for surgical intervention later. That’s why we encourage regular orthodontic evaluations starting at a young age to monitor development and intervene when needed.
Open Bite from Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use
Among the most common causes of anterior open bites in children are oral habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use. While these behaviors are perfectly normal during infancy, continuing them beyond toddlerhood can exert pressure on the teeth and the roof of the mouth, ultimately pushing the front teeth forward and disrupting natural alignment.
The earlier these habits are addressed, the easier it is to prevent long-term bite issues. Encouragingly, many children stop on their own, but for those who don’t, gentle habit-breaking strategies or orthodontic appliances may be helpful. At Parsons Orthodontics, we educate parents on recognizing signs of bite disruption early and provide supportive solutions that promote healthy development.
If the damage has already occurred, orthodontic treatment can help reverse the effects, aligning the teeth properly and guiding the jaw into a healthier position. The key is timely intervention, which can make a major difference in the complexity and duration of treatment.
Tongue Thrust Causing Open Bite
Another often-overlooked cause of open bites is tongue thrust, a habit where the tongue pushes forward against the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest. While it might seem harmless, repeated pressure over time can gradually force the teeth apart, creating or worsening an open bite.
Tongue thrust can develop from multiple underlying issues, including allergies, enlarged tonsils, or even stress-related habits. It’s common in children but may persist into adulthood if not properly addressed. Besides dental misalignment, tongue thrust may also contribute to speech problems, such as lisps or unclear articulation.
Treatment for tongue thrust often requires a dual approach: orthodontic correction for the teeth and jaw, and myofunctional therapy to retrain the tongue's positioning and function. At Parsons Orthodontics, we collaborate with speech and myofunctional therapists when needed to ensure long-term success and stability of your results.
Open Bite from Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing, often caused by nasal obstruction, allergies, or enlarged adenoids, can also lead to open bite development. When you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, your tongue rests low in the mouth rather than in its natural position against the palate. This seemingly small change in posture can interfere with the growth and positioning of the jaws and teeth.
Over time, mouth breathing not only increases the risk of open bite but also affects facial development, posture, and overall oral health. Children who habitually breathe through their mouths may show signs such as dry lips, elongated faces, or narrow upper jaws.
The solution often starts with identifying and treating the underlying airway issue, sometimes in collaboration with ENT specialists. Once the root cause is addressed, orthodontic treatment can help correct the bite and guide the teeth back into alignment. Breathing better also means sleeping better and feeling more energized—benefits that extend far beyond the smile.
Side effects of an open bite
An open bite doesn’t just affect how your teeth look—it can deeply influence your daily comfort, health, and confidence. One of the most immediate challenges people face is difficulty chewing certain foods, especially those that require front teeth for biting. Over time, this can lead to limited food choices, potentially affecting nutrition and overall wellness.
Beyond eating, open bites can also impact speech clarity. Many individuals develop lisps or articulation difficulties due to the gap between their teeth, which may lead to feelings of self-consciousness or hesitation when speaking in social or professional settings. This often results in lowered self-esteem, especially in teens and adults who may already feel anxious about their appearance.
Left untreated, an open bite can contribute to more serious long-term dental issues. These may include uneven tooth wear, increased risk of chipping or breaking teeth, and jaw pain related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Additionally, the space between the teeth makes it more difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, raising the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Addressing these concerns proactively with orthodontic care can prevent further complications and help restore both form and function.
How to fix an open bite: treatments and solutions
The good news is that open bites are treatable—and the sooner you start, the better the outcome. At Parsons Orthodontics, we tailor treatment plans based on the type and severity of your open bite, as well as the underlying cause. Whether the issue is functional, behavioral, or skeletal, our goal is to provide a comprehensive approach that restores not only your bite, but your confidence and comfort.
For mild to moderate open bites, especially those caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrust, orthodontic solutions such as braces or Invisalign® clear aligners are often highly effective. These tools work by gradually repositioning the teeth into proper alignment, closing the bite gap and improving both aesthetics and function.
In more complex cases—particularly those involving skeletal discrepancies—orthognathic surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw itself. This is often done in combination with orthodontic treatment to achieve long-term, stable results. At Parsons Orthodontics, we collaborate with skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons to guide you through every step of the process with expert care and support.
No matter your age or the severity of your case, early intervention can greatly reduce treatment time and prevent future complications. If you’re struggling with an open bite, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with Parsons Orthodontics today. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan designed to restore full bite function, enhance your smile, and improve your overall quality of life.
