What is an open bite?
With an open bite, a gap remains between the upper and lower rows of teeth when biting down — the vertical contact is missing. Most commonly this affects the front teeth: even when the back teeth bite together, the front teeth do not meet.
What causes an open bite?
Common causes are habits in childhood — such as prolonged thumb-sucking, intensive pacifier use or tongue thrusting when swallowing. Persistent mouth breathing can also play a role. We clarify the exact cause in the preliminary examination, as it influences the treatment.
What consequences can an open bite have?
- Chewing and speech problems — without front-tooth contact, biting off food and sometimes speaking become more difficult.
- One-sided loading of the molars — the chewing force is distributed unevenly.
- Mouth breathing — an open bite can encourage mouth breathing (and vice versa).
How is an open bite corrected?
In many cases an open bite can be corrected with clear aligners: the individually made trays move the teeth in a controlled way until the rows of teeth meet correctly again. For more pronounced malocclusions, additional aids such as elastics are used for bite correction. Planning is done with AI support based on a 3D scan.
When should an open bite be treated?
Precisely because an open bite in children is often linked to habits, an early assessment makes sense — so the cause can be taken into account (see orthodontics for children). But an open bite is also treatable in adults.
Treating an open bite in Zurich
Do you suspect an open bite in yourself or your child? You'll find more about our orthodontics in Zurich and the aligner treatment on our treatment pages — or arrange a no-obligation consultation directly at our practice at Löwenplatz in Zurich. We assess the bite and show you the possible result as a 3D preview.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual dental advice. Whether and which treatment is right for you is something we determine in a personal consultation based on your individual situation.
