Wondering how orthodontics fixes open bites? At Lozman Orthodontics, we use braces, Invisalign, elastics, and small anchoring devices to gently close the vertical gap between your upper and lower front teeth. Treatment moves teeth into proper alignment, addresses underlying habits, and gives you a healthier, more confident smile.
What Is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a type of bite misalignment where the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are closed together. Instead of meeting cleanly, there’s a visible vertical gap. It’s one of the more noticeable bite issues, and it can affect both kids and adults.
There are two main types:
- Anterior open bite: the gap appears between the front teeth
- Posterior open bite: the back teeth don’t meet while the front teeth do
Open bites usually develop from a mix of habits and genetics. Common causes include:
- Thumb sucking or finger sucking past toddler years
- Prolonged pacifier or bottle use
- Tongue thrusting, or pushing the tongue forward when swallowing or speaking
- Inherited jaw shape or tooth eruption patterns
- TMJ issues or jaw injuries
You might notice symptoms like trouble biting into foods, such as apples or sandwiches, a slight lisp or speech change, or a visible gap when you smile. Here’s the good news: open bites often respond well to orthodontic care, and there’s a treatment option for almost every age and severity.
How Orthodontics Fixes Open Bites
Orthodontics fixes open bites by gradually repositioning the teeth, and sometimes the jaw, to close the vertical gap. Treatment typically combines braces or Invisalign with elastics, and in more involved cases, small anchoring devices called TADs. Your orthodontist may also recommend habit appliances or early intervention for kids whose jaws are still developing.
Here’s a closer look at the tools and techniques we use:
Braces or Invisalign
Both SPEED self-ligating braces and Invisalign can help move teeth into better positions so the upper and lower arches meet correctly. The right choice depends on the severity of your open bite, your age, and your lifestyle.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Small elastics stretch between the upper and lower teeth to apply gentle vertical pressure. They’re a key part of closing the gap and aligning both arches.
TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices)
TADs are tiny, mini-screw-like anchors placed in the gum tissue. They allow your orthodontist to apply targeted force to specific teeth, often used to intrude, or push up, back molars so the front teeth can close together.
Habit Appliances
For kids and even some adults, a habit appliance can help stop tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, two of the biggest causes of open bites. Without addressing the habit, the open bite can return after treatment.
Tooth Extractions
In cases involving significant crowding alongside the open bite, your orthodontist may recommend removing one or more teeth to create space for proper alignment.
Early Intervention for Kids
When children are still growing, orthodontics can guide jaw development before it becomes a bigger issue later. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7. Families can learn more about care by age on our orthodontics for all ages page.
Dr. Robin Lozman builds a personalized treatment plan based on your specific bite, smile goals, and lifestyle, so every step is mapped out just for you.
Benefits of Treating an Open Bite
Closing an open bite does more than improve how your smile looks. It changes how your teeth function every single day. Here’s what you can expect after treatment:
- Better chewing and biting: Front teeth that meet properly make eating easier and more comfortable.
- Clearer speech: Many people with open bites have a slight lisp or trouble pronouncing certain sounds. Aligning the bite can help improve speech patterns.
- Healthier teeth long-term: When your bite is even, your teeth wear more evenly. That means less risk of chips, fractures, and uneven enamel loss.
- A more confident smile: Closing the gap gives you a smile you’ll want to share, which is a big deal at any age.
- Less jaw strain: An uneven bite can put extra pressure on your jaw joints. Correcting the open bite may help reduce strain connected to bite imbalance.
Everyone deserves a more confident smile, and treating an open bite is one of the most rewarding kinds of smile transformation we see at our family practice. Families come to us from all over the area looking for this kind of lasting change, and watching that vertical gap close is one of the most satisfying parts of what our caring, knowledgeable team does every day.
Braces vs. Invisalign for Open Bites
Both braces and Invisalign can correct open bites, but each option works a little differently. The best choice depends on the severity of your case, your age, and what fits your lifestyle.
| Feature | SPEED Self-Ligating Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moderate to complex open bites | Many mild to moderate open bites |
| Visibility | Visible metal brackets, with a clear braces option available | Nearly invisible aligners |
| Works with elastics? | Yes | Yes, with attachments when needed |
| Works with TADs? | Yes, when clinically appropriate | Yes, in some cases |
| Removable? | No, fixed | Yes, removable for eating and brushing |
| Typical treatment time | Often 12-24 months, depending on the case | Varies by case and aligner wear consistency |
| Lifestyle fit | Great for kids, teens, and adults who prefer fixed treatment | Great for adults and teens who want discretion and flexibility |
When We Recommend Braces
For more complex open bites, especially those needing significant vertical correction with TADs, SPEED self-ligating braces are often a predictable option. They give Dr. Robin Lozman precise control over tooth movement.
When We Recommend Invisalign
For mild to moderate open bites, Invisalign can be a great fit. Our team uses careful treatment planning, attachments, and elastics when needed to help close the bite while keeping treatment discreet.
The best way to know which option is right for you is a free consultation, where we’ll review your bite in detail and walk you through your choices.
Cost Factors for Open Bite Treatment
The cost of open bite treatment depends on the complexity of your case, the type of treatment you choose, and how long care takes. Lozman Orthodontics offers financing options to make care fit your family’s budget.
Here’s what affects the final cost:
- Severity of the open bite: Mild gaps are usually quicker to correct than severe vertical gaps requiring TADs or jaw work.
- Type of treatment: Braces, Invisalign, TADs, and habit appliances each carry different costs. A combination treatment may cost more than a single option.
- Treatment duration: Longer cases mean more office visits and more time in appliances.
- Extractions or auxiliary appliances: If your treatment plan includes tooth extractions or specialty appliances, that can affect the total.
- Insurance coverage: Many dental plans cover a portion of orthodontic care, especially for kids and teens.
We work with you on flexible financing and insurance options, plus affordable payment plans designed around what works for your family. When you visit our family practice for your free consult, our caring, knowledgeable team will walk you through every cost detail in person, so there are no surprises and you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Do You or Your Child Need Open Bite Treatment?
Not sure if an open bite needs treatment? Here are the signs to watch for, in yourself or your child:
- A visible gap between the upper and lower front teeth when biting down
- Difficulty biting into foods like sandwiches, pizza, or apples
- A lisp or trouble with certain speech sounds, especially “s” and “th”
- Tongue thrusting habits, such as pushing the tongue forward when swallowing
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use past age 4 or 5
- Jaw discomfort or uneven tooth wear
When Kids Should Be Evaluated
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Robin Lozman can spot developing open bites and guide jaw growth with early orthodontic care, sometimes preventing the need for more involved treatment later.
Adults Can Get Treatment Too
It’s never too late to fix an open bite. We see adults of all ages start their smile journey with us, and modern options like Invisalign and clear braces make treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever.
A free consultation is the best way to know for sure. We’ll review your bite, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s next, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Bites
How long does it take to fix an open bite?
Most open bite cases take between 12 and 24 months to correct, depending on severity and the treatment type. Mild cases may finish sooner, while complex cases involving TADs or jaw growth concerns can take longer. Your personalized treatment plan will include a clear timeline.
Can an open bite be fixed without braces?
In many cases, yes. Invisalign can correct mild to moderate open bites, often with the help of elastics and small attachments. For more severe cases, braces are usually more predictable. At your free consult, we’ll let you know which option fits your bite best.
Will an open bite come back after treatment?
It can, if the underlying habit, like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, isn’t addressed. That’s why we focus on stopping the habit during treatment and using retainers consistently afterward. Wearing your retainer as directed is the single best way to keep your smile transformation looking great long-term.
Is open bite treatment painful?
Treatment isn’t painful, though you may feel some pressure or soreness for a few days after appointments or when you switch to a new set of Invisalign aligners. Most people describe it as mild and temporary. Modern braces and aligners are designed to move teeth with gentle, controlled pressure.
Can adults fix an open bite?
Absolutely. Adults can correct open bites with both braces and Invisalign, and many of our patients are adults who finally decided it was time for the smile they’ve always wanted. Treatment may take a bit longer for adults since the jaw is no longer growing, but open bite correction can still make a meaningful difference in comfort, function, and confidence.
Start Open Bite Treatment with Lozman Orthodontics
When you’re ready to learn more, Dr. Robin Lozman and our caring, knowledgeable team would love to help you and your family feel confident and cared for at every step. A free consultation is the easiest way to begin, and we’ll help you start working toward your clearly incredible smile.
Lozman Orthodontics welcomes patients from Loudonville, Loudonville looking for an orthodontist, Latham, Albany, Menands, Meadowdale Estates, and the greater Capital District. You can also learn more about your first visit, explore our treatments, or begin with a convenient virtual consultation.