Can Aligners Correct an Open Bite?
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Can Clear Aligners Treat an Open Bite? Here’s What You Should Know
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap—often in the front teeth. This type of malocclusion can interfere with chewing, speech, and overall jaw function. If you’re exploring solutions, you may be wondering:
Can clear aligners like Invisalign treat an open bite?
Yes, aligners can be used to treat open bites, especially when the cause is dental rather than skeletal. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the severity of the case and the structure of the bite, but with proper planning and commitment, aligners can be a highly effective option.
What Is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a type of malocclusion where certain upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the jaws are closed. It most commonly affects the front teeth but can also involve the back molars. Common causes include:
Thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond early childhood
Tongue thrusting habits
Genetic jaw structure differences
Uneven tooth eruption or spacing
Skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws
Open bites may lead to difficulty with biting into food, unclear speech, or jaw discomfort, and they often impact smile aesthetics.
How Aligners Work to Correct an Open Bite
Clear aligners such as Invisalign work by applying controlled, gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually guiding them into better alignment. When treating an open bite, aligners aim to:
Move front teeth vertically so they can make contact
Close spacing that contributes to bite gaps
Adjust the angle and position of teeth to ensure proper occlusion
Create harmony between the upper and lower arches
Each aligner in the treatment series is custom-made based on a 3D scan and digital treatment plan, making the process highly precise.
When Aligners Are Most Effective
Aligners are typically most effective when the open bite is:
Caused by tooth misalignment rather than jawbone positioning
Mild to moderate in severity
Not complicated by ongoing habits like tongue thrust or thumb-sucking
Diagnosed and treated early, especially in teenage or young adult years
In these cases, aligners can offer results comparable to braces with the added benefit of being nearly invisible and removable.
When Additional Treatments May Be Required
In more complex or skeletal open bite cases, aligners alone may not be enough. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend:
Elastics combined with aligners for additional force
Myofunctional therapy to address tongue posture or habits
Braces or fixed appliances for more extensive control
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) in severe skeletal cases
A professional evaluation is essential to determine the most effective combination of treatments for your specific case.
Key to Success: Planning and Consistency
The success of aligners in treating open bite relies heavily on two things:
Comprehensive digital planning by an experienced provider
Patient compliance, including wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day and attending regular check-ins
Without these, progress may be delayed or incomplete.
Dr. Bak’s Expert Approach to Open Bite Treatment
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen combines advanced digital orthodontic planning with personalized care to treat cases of open bite with clarity and precision. If aligners are a viable option for your bite, he will create a tailored plan designed to maximize comfort, function, and long-term results.
Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).
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