Open Bites and Deep Bites
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we understand that your child’s smile is more than just an aesthetic concern—it plays a critical role in their overall oral health and well-being.
One of the most important aspects of orthodontic treatment is managing the vertical dimension, which refers to the space between the upper and lower jaws when the mouth is closed. Misalignment in this vertical dimension can lead to two common issues: open bites and deep bites.
Both open bites and deep bites can affect your child’s ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper jaw function. Fortunately, with modern orthodontic solutions like self-ligating ceramic braces, metal braces, Damon braces clear brackets, and specialized appliances, these problems can be effectively addressed.
Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke are equipped with the advanced orthodontic expertise and technology needed to treat these complex bite issues.
What is Vertical Dimension in Orthodontics?
Vertical dimension refers to the height and space between the upper and lower jaws. It determines how the upper and lower teeth come together when your child closes their mouth.
Proper vertical alignment ensures the teeth meet correctly, allowing for optimal function when chewing, speaking, and even breathing. A healthy vertical dimension also contributes to facial balance and aesthetics, playing a vital role in your child’s overall facial appearance.
When there is a problem with the vertical dimension, either too much or too little space between the upper and lower teeth, it can lead to bite issues such as open bites or deep bites. These problems can affect oral function and appearance, making it essential to correct them early through orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Solutions for Vertical Dimension Issues
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we offer a variety of advanced treatment options to address vertical dimension problems in children and teenagers:
Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces: These braces are made of tooth-colored materials, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They use a clip mechanism instead of elastic bands, which reduces friction and allows for more comfortable, effective tooth movement.
Self-Ligating Metal Braces: These braces are durable and highly effective for treating more complex cases, including severe open or deep bites. Metal dental braces require fewer adjustments and provide efficient, consistent pressure to move the teeth into their correct positions.
Damon Braces: Damon braces use passive self-ligating technology, which reduces friction and allows the teeth to move more freely. This system is known for reducing treatment time while improving the vertical alignment of the teeth.
Appliances: In addition to braces, we also offer appliances like tongue cribs, bite turbos, and vertical elastics. These tools are used to enhance the effectiveness of braces and help correct vertical dimension issues more efficiently.
Understanding Open Bites
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. This condition can affect the front teeth, back teeth, or both. There are several potential causes of open bites, including:
Thumb-sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking in childhood can push the front teeth forward and out of alignment, creating an open bite.
Tongue thrusting: Some children develop a habit of pressing their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing, which can lead to an open bite.
Genetic factors: In some cases, an open bite may be due to inherited jaw structure issues.
An open bite can lead to functional problems, including difficulty chewing and speech issues such as lisping. In severe cases, it can also contribute to jaw pain and discomfort.
Orthodontic Treatment for Open Bites
The good news is that open bites can be corrected with the right orthodontic treatment. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we use self-ligating braces, appliances, and other advanced techniques to close open bites and restore proper function.
Braces: Self-ligating braces—whether ceramic, metal, or Damon—are highly effective at gradually closing open bites by aligning the teeth and encouraging proper contact between the upper and lower jaws. These braces apply continuous, gentle pressure to guide the teeth into the correct position.
Tongue Crib: If tongue thrusting is contributing to the open bite, a tongue crib may be used to retrain the tongue’s position during swallowing. This small, fixed appliance helps prevent the tongue from pushing against the teeth.
Vertical Elastics: For some patients, vertical elastics may be used in conjunction with braces to help close the gap between the upper and lower teeth. These elastics provide extra force to improve the alignment and bring the teeth together.
Correcting an open bite early can prevent long-term complications such as excessive wear on the back teeth and jaw discomfort. It can also improve your child’s ability to speak and chew, leading to better overall oral function.
Understanding Deep Bites
A deep bite, also known as an overbite, occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. In extreme cases, the lower teeth may bite into the roof of the mouth, leading to gum damage and increased wear on the teeth. Deep bites can be caused by several factors, including:
Genetics: Some children are born with jaw structures that predispose them to deep bites.
Overdevelopment of the upper jaw: This can cause the upper teeth to extend too far over the lower teeth.
Tooth wear: Worn-down teeth can exacerbate the appearance of a deep bite.
Deep bites can lead to several complications, including:
– Excessive wear on the teeth.
– Jaw pain and discomfort, sometimes leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
– Gum damage from improper contact between the teeth and gums.
Orthodontic Treatment for Deep Bites
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we specialize in treating deep bites through a combination of self-ligating braces and appliances. Our goal is to restore balance to the bite and improve both function and appearance.
Braces: Self-ligating braces (ceramic dental braces, metal, and Damon) can effectively open the bite by moving the teeth into proper alignment. These braces help reduce the overlap between the upper and lower teeth, improving the overall bite.
Bite Turbos: In some cases, bite turbos may be used to temporarily prop the bite open, allowing the teeth to move more freely into their correct positions. Bite turbos are small, bonded pads placed on the back teeth or the biting surface of the front teeth to create space for proper alignment.
Vertical Elastics: As with open bites, vertical elastics may be used to adjust the overlap between the upper and lower teeth. These elastics provide additional force to balance the bite and ensure proper contact between the teeth.
By addressing deep bites early, we can prevent complications such as excessive tooth wear, gum damage, and jaw discomfort. Early intervention is key to achieving a balanced, healthy bite and avoiding more invasive treatments later.
Benefits of Early Intervention for Open and Deep Bites
Correcting open and deep bites in childhood or adolescence is crucial for long-term oral health. Early intervention allows the orthodontist to guide jaw growth, ensuring that the teeth and jaws develop properly. This not only prevents more severe issues later in life but also enhances your child’s ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Dr. Ryan Redford creates a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether your child has an open bite, deep bite, or another vertical dimension issue, our doctors provide the best possible care using the most advanced orthodontic techniques.
Why Patients Choose Burke & Redford Orthodontists
Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke have over three decades of experience treating complex orthodontic cases, including open bites and deep bites. Their expertise, combined with advanced technology and state-of-the-art treatment options, ensures that your child receives the best possible care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Burke & Redford Orthodontists’ offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore are equipped with the latest advancements in orthodontic care, allowing us to deliver exceptional results for children and teenagers. Our commitment to patient comfort, individualized treatment, and achieving long-term results sets us apart as the trusted choice for orthodontic care in the Inland Empire.
Request a Consultation with Dr. Ryan Redford
If you are concerned about your child’s bite, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan Redford today by calling our office on (951) 699-8011 or completing the form through our website. Early intervention can make all the difference in creating a balanced, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Learn more about how we can help your child achieve optimal oral health through personalized orthodontic care during your consultation.