An open bite is a type of malocclusion where some of the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth closes. It’s often noticed when a child transitions from milk to permanent teeth, and in many cases resolves naturally — but persistent open bites in adulthood usually need treatment.
This page explains the two main types of open bite, what causes them, the problems they can lead to, and the treatment options most often considered.
Information on this page is general and not a substitute for a clinical assessment. Suitability, treatment time and cost are confirmed in writing after an in-person consultation with a GDC-registered dentist. Outcomes vary between patients.
Anterior open bite — the front teeth do not meet, while the back teeth come together. This is the more common type.
Posterior open bite — the back teeth do not meet, while the front teeth do. This is less common and can occasionally occur during orthodontic treatment.
Common causes include:
When the cause is bone-related, it’s described as a skeletal open bite. When habits or tooth eruption are the cause, it’s described as a dental open bite.
Clear aligners. Many open bites can be improved with clear aligners, including our ProAligners system. Aligners gently move the teeth in small steps and are worn around 22 hours a day. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.
Fixed braces. A long-established option for aligning teeth and closing an open bite, typically followed by a retainer. Treatment usually takes between 6 months and 2 years depending on the case.
Tongue thrusting therapy.If the open bite is being driven by tongue thrust, addressing this is essential. Options include tongue exercises, speech therapy and a tongue crib appliance — a small attachment to the back teeth that stops the tongue pushing forwards. On its own this won’t close an existing open bite, but it can prevent it worsening.
Veneers. Veneers can sometimes be used to disguise a very mild open bite. They do not address the underlying cause and may not be appropriate where habits or wear are still active. The pros, cons and long-term implications should be discussed in detail before deciding.
Jaw (orthognathic) surgery.Severe skeletal open bites — particularly in adults whose growth has finished — usually require surgery alongside orthodontics. Jaw surgery is not performed at London Braces; where it’s clinically indicated we’d refer you to an appropriate hospital maxillofacial team and can co-ordinate the orthodontic work before and after. Recovery typically involves a soft or liquid diet and several weeks off normal activity.
All surgery carries risk. Open bite surgery is well established and generally safe, but possible complications include numbness, swelling, infection and the need for revision surgery. Your surgical team will explain risks specific to your case before you consent to treatment.
Open bite — typical approach by age (general guide)
| Age | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| 0–6 | Often resolves naturally; reduce thumb-sucking and dummy use; no active treatment usually needed. |
| 7–10 | Speech therapy or a tongue crib if tongue thrusting persists; dental review of erupting adult teeth. |
| 11–17 | Braces (and clear aligners where suitable); ongoing tongue habit therapy if needed. |
| 18+ | Clear aligners, fixed braces, veneers (mild cases) or jaw surgery for severe skeletal cases. |
Related conditions
FAQs
In young children, mild open bites often improve as the adult teeth come through — particularly if habits like thumb sucking are stopped. Open bites that persist into the late teens or adulthood usually need treatment.
Clear aligners can correct many open bites, particularly mild and moderate cases. Severe skeletal open bites in adults often need surgery in addition. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.
If tongue thrusting is part of the cause, it usually needs to be addressed — otherwise the open bite may relapse after orthodontic treatment.
Veneers can disguise very mild open bites cosmetically but do not address the underlying cause. They aren't suitable for everyone and have long-term implications. We'd usually explore orthodontic options first.
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