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Can Clear Aligners Fix an Open Bite?

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap—usually in the front teeth. This condition can affect how you bite, chew, and speak, and may also impact the aesthetics of your smile. Yes, clear aligners can be used to treat an open bite in many cases. By gently repositioning the teeth, aligners help close the gap and bring the bite into a more functional and attractive alignment.

What Causes an Open Bite?

Open bites can develop due to a combination of factors, including:

Thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond early childhood
Tongue thrusting (pressing the tongue against the teeth while swallowing)
Skeletal discrepancies (vertical jaw development issues)
Genetics or abnormal tooth eruption
Prolonged use of a bottle or sippy cup in children

Understanding the cause is essential for determining whether aligners alone can resolve the issue or if a combined treatment approach is needed.

How Aligners Treat an Open Bite

Clear aligners work by applying controlled, incremental pressure on the teeth to guide them into better alignment. In cases of open bite, aligners can help by:

Moving the upper and lower front teeth into contact
Correcting any associated crowding or spacing
Improving the bite relationship between the upper and lower arches
Supporting long-term bite function and smile aesthetics

Each step is carefully planned using 3D digital scans, allowing your provider to simulate the entire treatment before it begins.

Success Depends on Severity and Compliance

Clear aligners are most effective for mild to moderate open bites caused by dental misalignment. Treatment success depends on several key factors:

Severity of the open bite (larger gaps may require additional treatment)
The cause (skeletal vs. dental origin)
Patient compliance—aligners must be worn at least 20–22 hours per day
Use of attachments or elastics as recommended by your provider

In more complex cases—especially those involving jawbone discrepancies—aligners may need to be combined with other treatments such as elastics, myofunctional therapy, or even jaw surgery.

What to Expect During Treatment

Mild open bite cases may be corrected in as little as 6–12 months
Moderate cases may take 12–18 months or more
You’ll change aligners every 1–2 weeks, as directed
Regular check-ins (in-office or virtual) will ensure proper progress
A retainer is required post-treatment to maintain the results

Dr. Bak’s Experience in Treating Open Bites with Aligners

With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen has helped many patients correct open bites using clear aligners. His approach involves advanced digital planning, personalized treatment strategies, and collaboration with specialists when needed to ensure long-term success.

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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