[Health Column] Open Bite Treatment and Fundamental Solutions

Kim Hyun-soon ledger

 

 

hello. Director Kim Hyeon-sun of Ceramic Dental Clinic no see.

 

Have you ever looked closely at your smile in the mirror when you smile?

 

If you smile brightly but your front teeth are not visible or your teeth feel slightly gapped, Open bite It might be.
You may not be aware of it and may overlook it, but open bite is a problem that should never be taken lightly.
If left unattended temporomandibular joint Of course facial balance It can affect up to .

 

Today, I will explain in detail everything from the causes of open bite to treatment methods, as well as self-diagnosis and improvement methods in daily life.

 

 

1. What is open bite?

 

Open Bite It is a type of malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth do not touch and are spaced apart.

Normally, the upper and lower teeth should fit together, A condition in which some teeth do not touch and spaces are created. , he says.

 

• Anterior open bite : When the front teeth do not touch
• open bite in the molars : When the molars do not touch

 

 

2. Causes of open bite

 

• Oral habits : Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use
• genetic factors : Jawbone development pattern and family history
• skeletal problems : Overgrowth of the lower jaw or underdevelopment of the upper jaw
• Tongue position problems : The habit of the tongue pushing against the front teeth when swallowing or in everyday life 

 

 

 

✔️Self-diagnosis checklist

 

If any of the following apply to you, there is a possibility of an open bite, so we recommend consulting a dental specialist.

 

Check items	check
My front teeth don't touch when I close my mouth.	☐
Use only one molar when chewing food	☐
Pronunciation is leaky or inaccurate	☐
When you smile, your teeth are not visible and there is space.	☐
I often hear noises or feel a dull ache in my jaw.	☐
I had a habit of sucking my thumb and sticking my tongue out when I was young.	☐

 

 

3. Problems that arise when left unattended

 

Open bite is not simply a problem of the front teeth not touching.

If left alone, many things will happen Functional and aesthetic issues may lead to.

 

 

✔️Temporomandibular joint problems

• When your teeth don't fit together properly, unbalanced forces are placed on your temporomandibular joints. This can result in clicking or clicking sounds in the joints or jaw pain.

 

✔️Tooth wear and periodontal disease

• Because the front teeth don't touch, force is concentrated on specific molars and a few teeth. These teeth, which receive this uneven force, can experience severe wear over time.

 

✔️Face shape change

• The teeth and jaw are directly connected to the contours of the face. If an open bite is left untreated for a long time, the jaw may recede, giving the impression of a receding chin or, conversely, a protruding, spatula-like chin.

 

 

👉 Even if it doesn't feel uncomfortable right now “Time will tell.” If you put it off, you may end up with bigger problems and a longer treatment process later. 😰

 

 

4. Treatment method

 

Open bite treatment varies depending on the patient's condition and cause.

 

 

1️⃣Anterior open bite (when the front teeth do not touch)

• The front teeth are moved downward and aligned using orthodontic appliances and miniscrews.

 

2️⃣ Open bite in the molar region (when the molars do not touch)

• Restore normal occlusion by adjusting the position of the molars.

 

3️⃣Skeletal open bite

• If the cause is the jawbone itself, surgery may be necessary, but if it is a growth spurt, it can be improved with a growth regulating device.

 

 

👉 In other words, the treatment approach is completely different depending on whether the cause of the open bite is a simple habit, a tooth position problem, or a skeletal problem. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis by a specialist is essential.

 

 

bad habits	Correction method
Push your tongue towards your front teeth	Always keep the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth
Chewing food with only one jaw	Chew evenly with both molars
Chin resting habit	Consciously avoid
Prolonged pacifier/thumb sucking	Early habit correction and training are necessary.

 

 

5. Conclusion

 

An open bite is more than just an unsightly problem.

It is a major dental problem that affects the temporomandibular joint, chewing function, and facial balance.

 

 

if “Does this apply to me too?” If you have any thoughts, do it right now Diagnosis by a specialist I recommend that you receive it.

With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can regain a healthy bite and a confident smile. 😁

 

 

 

 

Director Kim Hyeon-sun

Graduated from Seoul National University College of Dentistry
Catholic University College of Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Visiting Professor
Orthodontic specialist (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
Orthodontics and Accreditation (Korean Orthodontic Association)
World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) Fellowship
Associate Professor of Outpatient Clinic, CHA University Hospital

Director of Hyun Ceramic Dental Clinic

 

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