If you have noticed that your front teeth do not meet even when your mouth is fully closed, this problem should not be left unattended. Such a condition may be a sign of an open bite - one of the forms of malocclusion.
An open bite can affect not only the appearance of the smile, but also the chewing of food, speech and the work of the dentofacial system.
Why do the front teeth not meet?
The causes can vary. The most common of them are:
- the development pattern of the upper and the lower jaw;
- hereditary predisposition;
- disturbances in the growth of the jaws;
- certain harmful habits in childhood that could have affected the formation of the bite.
It is impossible to determine the cause on your own. This requires an examination by a specialist and diagnostics.
What symptoms can there be?
Besides the front teeth not meeting, patients may note:
- difficulty biting off food;
- impaired articulation when pronouncing certain sounds;
- an increased load on the lateral teeth;
- dissatisfaction with the smile;
- an incorrect bite.
In some patients the changes are minimal, in others they significantly affect the function of the dentofacial system.
Can an open bite be corrected?
Yes. Modern dentistry and maxillofacial surgery make it possible to treat an open bite effectively.
If the disorder is related only to the position of the teeth, orthodontic treatment may be enough.
If the cause is an incorrect position of the upper or the lower jaw, the doctor may recommend surgical bite correction (orthognathic surgery). The decision is always made individually, after an examination.
When should you see a doctor?
A consultation is recommended if:
- the front teeth do not meet;
- it is difficult to bite off food;
- the closure of the teeth has changed;
- the problem has persisted after treatment with braces;
- an incorrect bite is a concern.
Conclusion
If your front teeth do not meet, do not put off an examination. Modern diagnostics make it possible to determine the cause of the disorder and to choose the most effective treatment method - from orthodontic treatment to orthognathic surgery, if it is genuinely necessary.
Details about the surgical stage of treatment are on the service page surgical bite correction.