Concerned about an open bite? Book an orthodontic assessment.
Open Bite: Symptoms, Causes and When to Consider Orthodontic Assessment
South Kensington, London
An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not meet in certain areas when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap even when the jaw is fully shut. Open bite teeth patterns most commonly affect the front teeth — known as an anterior open bite — but can also involve the back teeth in a posterior open bite. The condition may affect chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and the distribution of biting forces. At our South Kensington dental practice, our team provides structured bite evaluations to assess the type and severity of an open bite and to discuss open bite treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Open Bite Assessment
Structured bite evaluation and orthodontic consultation
- Visual bite examination
- Vertical overlap measurement
- Chewing pattern assessment
- Jaw movement evaluation
- Orthodontic options discussion
What Is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a form of malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth fail to make contact in certain areas when the jaw is closed. Instead of the teeth meeting as expected, a visible gap remains — even when the patient bites together fully.
The condition most commonly involves the front teeth, where it is known as an anterior open bite. In this presentation, the back teeth may come together normally while the front teeth remain apart. Less commonly, a posterior open bite may be present, where the back teeth fail to contact while the front teeth meet.
Open bite severity can range from a minor gap that is barely noticeable to a more significant separation that affects everyday functions such as biting food and speech. The underlying cause — whether dental, skeletal, or habit-related — influences both the significance and the most appropriate management approach. Explore other bite alignment concerns we assess or read on to understand the types, symptoms, and treatment options for an open bite.
Types of Open Bite
Open bites are classified by their location and underlying cause. Understanding the type helps guide the assessment and treatment approach.
Anterior Open Bite
- The front teeth do not overlap vertically when the back teeth are in contact
- A visible gap remains between the upper and lower front teeth when biting together
- This is the most common form of open bite and the pattern most likely to affect biting into food and speech clarity
Posterior Open Bite
- The back teeth do not come into contact when the front teeth are together
- This pattern is less common but can significantly affect chewing efficiency
- The reduced contact between the back teeth may alter how biting forces are distributed
Dental vs Skeletal Open Bite
Open bites are sometimes categorised as dental or skeletal in origin. A dental open bite relates primarily to the position and eruption pattern of the teeth themselves, while a skeletal open bite involves differences in the growth and proportion of the upper and lower jaws. In practice, many open bites involve a combination of both dental and skeletal factors. The distinction is important because it influences which open bite correction approaches may be most suitable — a consideration that is assessed during clinical examination.
Symptoms Associated with an Open Bite
Not all open bites cause discomfort. The symptoms experienced depend on the type, severity, and how the bite functions overall.
Difficulty Biting Food
- Difficulty biting into foods such as sandwiches, apples, or crusty bread
- A tendency to tear food with the side teeth rather than incising with the front teeth
Speech Changes
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds clearly, particularly “s”, “z”, and “th” sounds
- A slight lisp or altered speech pattern that may be more noticeable to others
Uneven Tooth Wear
- Increased pressure concentrated on the teeth that do make contact
- Accelerated wear, chipping, or fracture of the teeth bearing the greatest load
Jaw Discomfort
- Muscle fatigue in the jaw, particularly after meals
- Strain or discomfort when chewing, as the jaw works harder to compensate for the lack of contact
What Causes an Open Bite?
An open bite may develop due to a combination of genetic, developmental, and behavioural factors. In many cases, more than one contributor is involved.
Genetic Jaw Growth Patterns
The shape and proportions of the upper and lower jaws are largely determined by genetics. Some individuals inherit growth patterns that result in a vertical excess of the lower face, which can contribute to a skeletal open bite.
Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Dummy Use
Sustained thumb sucking or dummy use during childhood can place outward and upward pressure on the front teeth, potentially preventing them from fully erupting into contact. In many cases, the open bite resolves after the habit ceases, though it may persist in some individuals.
Tongue Thrust Habit
A tongue thrust involves the tongue pushing forward against or between the front teeth during swallowing or at rest. This repeated pressure can prevent the front teeth from coming together and may maintain or worsen an existing open bite.
Jaw Development Differences
Differences in the rate or direction of growth between the upper and lower jaws during development can result in a malocclusion open bite pattern. These developmental factors are typically identified during adolescence but may persist into adulthood.
Tooth Eruption Patterns
In some cases, certain teeth may not erupt fully into their expected position, or the posterior teeth may over-erupt relative to the anterior teeth, contributing to an open bite relationship.
How Dentists Assess an Open Bite
When you attend our practice with concerns about an open bite, our dental team carries out a structured evaluation. The assessment determines whether monitoring or open bite correction is appropriate.
Visual bite examination — observing how the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed
Measurement of vertical overlap — quantifying the gap between the upper and lower teeth in the affected area
Assessment of chewing pattern — evaluating how the patient bites and chews to identify functional limitations
Evaluation of jaw movement — checking the range and symmetry of jaw opening, closing, and lateral movement
Digital scans or radiographs where clinically indicated — to assess tooth positions, root angles, and jaw proportions
The assessment guides a personalised discussion about whether treatment is recommended and which approach may be most suitable.
Concerned About Gaps When Biting?
If you are concerned about gaps when biting or difficulty chewing, an orthodontic assessment can help evaluate whether an open bite is present and discuss suitable management options. Book a consultation at our South Kensington dental clinic for a structured bite evaluation.
Open Bite Correction Options
The most appropriate approach to open bite correction depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause identified during assessment.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment using fixed braces or clear aligners can gradually reposition the teeth to improve vertical overlap and achieve better contact between the upper and lower arches. This approach may involve intrusion of over-erupted teeth, extrusion of teeth that have not fully erupted, or a combination of movements to close the open bite.
Multidisciplinary Planning
In more complex skeletal open bite cases, collaborative planning between orthodontics and other specialties may be discussed. This may be relevant where the open bite is primarily skeletal in origin and orthodontic tooth movement alone may not be sufficient to achieve a stable result.
Monitoring
If the open bite is mild, stable, and not causing functional concerns or progressive symptoms, monitoring may be appropriate. Regular review allows any changes to be identified early, and treatment can be discussed if the situation evolves.
Our orthodontics team can discuss alignment-based approaches in detail, including clear aligners where the open bite pattern and clinical presentation are suitable.
Can an Open Bite Affect Jaw Health?
An open bite can alter the way biting and chewing forces are distributed across the dental arch. When certain teeth do not make contact, the teeth that do may bear a disproportionate share of the load, which can contribute to accelerated wear, chipping, or discomfort in those areas.
In some patients, the altered chewing pattern associated with an open bite may contribute to symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), including jaw muscle fatigue, clicking, or stiffness. The relationship between open bite and TMD varies between individuals — not all patients with an open bite experience joint symptoms, and the presence of TMD-related concerns is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Our TMJ assessment and treatment service can provide further evaluation if jaw joint symptoms are present alongside an open bite.
When Should You Consider an Orthodontic Consultation?
Consider arranging an assessment if you experience any of the following:
Your front teeth do not meet when you bite together
Chewing feels inefficient or uncomfortable
Speech concerns develop or persist
Tooth wear appears to be increasing on certain teeth
You are exploring clear aligner options for bite improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
About open bite assessment and treatment options
Book an Open Bite Assessment in South Kensington
An open bite can vary in severity, and not all cases require treatment. However, if functional concerns or alignment issues are present, an orthodontic assessment can help determine suitable options.
Our dental team in South Kensington provides structured bite evaluations and orthodontic consultations tailored to individual needs. Book your appointment to have your bite assessed and discuss appropriate next steps.
Open Monday–Sunday • 2 mins from South Kensington tube
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