An open bite is a type of malocclusion where some of the teeth fail to meet when biting down. It is mostly experienced when the milk teeth are transitioning to permanent teeth. There are two types of open bites- the anterior open bite and posterior open bite. Anterior open bites affect the front teeth while the latter affects the back teeth. While most open bites correct themselves, some persist into adulthood and need to be treated. Causes And Effects Of Open Bites Open bites can be caused by a number of things. Some of the causes of open bites include genes and family history, problematic jawbones, misaligned growth of milk and adult teeth, tongue thrusting, problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and sucking on objects like thumbs or pens.Depending on the cause of the open bite, it can either be categorized as a dental open bite or a skeletal open bite. Dental open bites are caused by actions such as sucking on things and tongue thrusting. Skeletal open bites, on the other hand, are caused by dental bone issues.If left untreated, open bites can be problematic. Some of the effects of untreated open bites are speech impediments like lisping, difficulty taking certain foods, self-consciousness when smiling, and increased pressure and wear on the back teeth. It can also lead to discomfort and some people may experience dental problems such as tooth fractures. There are different options for correcting open bites. Regardless of the cause of your open bite, our orthodontic clinic will be able to recommend the right intervention. Do not wait for the open bite to correct itself, it may lead to other problems. Treatment for open bites can be done at any age, so don’t think that your child is too young to have their open bite treated. Schedule an appointment with our clinic today.