Open Bite Causes and Fixes

Correcting an open bite is about more than looks. It is about helping your teeth and jaws work together so you can bite, chew, and speak comfortably. At Kahan Orthodontics in Tarzana, we evaluate the full picture and create a plan that addresses the dental and, when needed, skeletal factors behind an open bite. Patients from Encino and across the San Fernando Valley choose our office for careful diagnosis, clear guidance, and treatment options that fit real life.

What Is an Open Bite

An open bite happens when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when your jaws are closed. Most open bites show a gap between the front teeth, called an anterior open bite. Less often, it involves the back teeth. Because the teeth do not meet, you may notice trouble biting into certain foods, light speech changes like a lisp, or extra wear on teeth that do make contact.

Common Causes

Understanding the reason behind an open bite helps us choose the right solution.

Habits. Prolonged thumb or finger sucking and tongue thrusting can push teeth out of position over time.
Skeletal growth. Jaw growth patterns can keep the teeth from meeting properly.
Airway and mouth breathing. Ongoing mouth breathing may affect tongue posture and jaw position.

How We Diagnose an Open Bite

Your first visit includes photos, a clinical exam, and digital scans. When needed, we use X-rays to evaluate jaw relationships and tooth roots. We look at bite contacts, tongue posture, breathing patterns, and facial balance. This full assessment helps us decide whether the open bite is mostly dental, mostly skeletal, or a mix of both.

Planning your visit Start here, Prepare for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

Early Treatment for Children, Phase 1

The American Association of Orthodontists advises a first check by age 7 so growth patterns can be monitored. Some open bites benefit from early, conservative steps.

Habit support. Gentle reminder appliances and at-home strategies can help reduce thumb or tongue habits.
Growth guidance. Select appliances may encourage more balanced jaw growth while a child is still developing.

Options for Teens and Adults

Modern orthodontics offers several paths to close an open bite. The best option depends on the cause, your goals, and your daily routine.

Clear aligners, Invisalign. For many dental open bites, aligners with planned movements and elastics can help bring the bite together. Aligners are removable for meals and brushing, which can make home care easier for busy students and professionals.
Modern braces. Braces give precise control of tooth position and bite relationships. They can be a strong option for open bites that need detailed movements or when consistent aligner wear would be difficult.
Surgical orthodontics. For severe skeletal open bites in adults, orthodontic care may be combined with jaw surgery to correct the underlying jaw position. This approach is planned with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and can improve both bite function and facial balance.

Compare modalities, Braces vs. Invisalign, Pros, Cons, and How to Choose

What to Expect During Treatment

Timeline. Treatment length varies by case complexity, age, and consistency with elastics or aligner wear.
Comfort. You may feel pressure with new wires or new aligners. This usually settles within a few days.
Home care. Good brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings help keep gums healthy so teeth can move as planned.
Retention. After we close the open bite, retainers help maintain the result. Your plan may include removable retainers, a fixed retainer, or both.

Retainer basics, Retainers for Life, Wear Time and Replacements
Treatment pacing, Braces and Invisalign Treatment Timeline

Costs, Scheduling, and Support

Fees depend on the type of treatment and complexity. Our team reviews insurance, FSA or HSA use, and payment options before you begin. Digital iTero scans replace old putty impressions to make the start of treatment more comfortable. If you are traveling or have a tight schedule, we can arrange virtual check-ins when appropriate.

Is Treatment Right for You

If you or your child has trouble biting into foods, notices a gap between the front teeth, or has a habit that might affect the bite, an evaluation is a smart next step. We will explain your options, outline realistic timelines, and help you choose a plan that fits your goals and your routine.

Ready to talk with our team

Schedule a consultation or call 818-578-8782. We care for families across Tarzana, Encino, and the San Fernando Valley.

Disclaimer, This article is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam or personalized clinical advice. Treatment plans and timelines vary by patient.

Tarzana/Encino