If you look closely at the the human mouth, the way that the lower and upper lips come together, there are two different ways that it can look. Either the lower lip is in a more forward position than the upper lip – and this is known as an anterior open bite – or the upper lip is more forward – known as a posterior open bite. This blog will look at the reasons why these different types of open bites happen and why they can be problematic.
Anterior Open Bite & Posterior Open Bite
What is Anterior Open Bite?
Anterior open bite is a type of malocclusion (imperfect alignment of the teeth) in which the teeth in the front of the mouth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can give the appearance of a “gap” between the teeth. Anterior open bite can occur when the teeth are crowded or when the jaws are not properly aligned. It can also be caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Anterior open bite can be corrected with orthodontic treatment, or braces.
What is Posterior Open Bite?
Posterior open bite is a condition where the back teeth (molars) do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can happen if the back teeth are too far apart, or if the front teeth are too far forward. This can cause problems with eating and speaking. Posterior open bite can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
How is An Anterior Open Bite Different From Posterior Open Bite?
An anterior open bite is different from a posterior open bite in a few ways. First, an anterior open bite is when the front teeth are protruding and the back teeth are not touching. This can cause an overbite and make it difficult to bite and chew properly. A posterior open bite is when the back teeth are protruding and the front teeth are not touching. This can cause an underbite and make it difficult to bite and chew properly. Both types of open bite can be caused by genetics, bad habits, or teeth grinding.
Causes & Treatment
What are the causes of Both Types of Open Bite?
There are several possible causes of anterior and posterior open bite. One common cause is thumb sucking. This can cause the teeth to become misaligned and create an open bite. Another common cause is genetics. If the parents or grandparents had an open bite, there is a greater chance that the child will also have an open bite. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to open bite, as plaque and tartar can build up and cause the teeth to become misaligned. In some cases, open bite can be caused by a cleft palate or other birth defects.
Treatment and Management
There are various methods of treating and managing anterior open bite and posterior open bite. The most common approach is to use braces or other orthodontic devices to gradually close the bite. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to close the bite. In other cases, a combination of braces and surgery may be used. The specific treatment and management plan will vary depending on the individual case.
How to Prevent Open Bite in Your Child?
Open bite can be a cosmetic issue, but it can also cause problems with eating and speaking. If you’re concerned about open bite in your child, talk to your dentist. They can assess the problem and recommend treatment options.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent anterior and posterior open bite in your child. First, make sure they’re getting enough fluoride. This will help their teeth stay strong and healthy. Second, discourage habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. If your child is already doing these things, talk to your dentist about how to break the habit. Finally, make sure your child’s teeth are being properly cared for. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing the dentist regularly.
Anterior and posterior open bites are two types of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and jaws. Teeth that are positioned too far forward in the mouth can cause an anterior open bite, while teeth that are positioned too far back create a posterior open bite. Luckily, both of these conditions can be treated with braces. If you are interested in more information about anterior and posterior open bites, please contact us at (212) 595-1500 | (212) 203-8912.