People with what is known as an open bite are unable to align their teeth properly when they close their mouth. The teeth in the upper and lower jaws do not touch; there is no contact. As well as affecting appearance, this impacts on such basic functions as chewing and breathing. If this applies to you, you should know that an open bite can be corrected through orthognathic surgery, a procedure that significantly improves your quality of life.
A new smile with open bite correction
Correcting an open bite is a common concern amongst those seeking to improve their facial appearance. Orthognathic surgery is the most effective and long-lasting solution to this problem.
But it is also useful for resolving other problems related to malocclusion, such as an overbite, a narrow palate and a gummy smile. Let’s take a look at what each of these three conditions involves
- Gummy smile. This is easy to spot because, when smiling, an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible.
- Narrow palate. This is when the upper jaw, the ‘roof’ of the mouth, is narrower than normal in relation to the size of the lower jaw
- Deep bite. This refers to a situation where, when the mouth is closed, the upper teeth cover the lower teeth excessively.
In some cases, conventional orthodontic treatment may be sufficient to resolve these problems, particularly when the patients are children. However, most adults require surgical treatment in addition to orthodontics: orthognathic surgery. Thanks to this, both open bite correction and other malocclusions can be resolved.
Below, we explain how this procedure works, how it can transform your smile and what specific benefits it offers.
A better quality of life
An open bite – where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between them – can be caused by various factors. These include developmental deformities of the jawbones, muscular imbalances or thumb-sucking habits during childhood.
Regardless of the cause, the fact is that it affects facial aesthetics and, depending on the severity, self-esteem too. However, more importantly, it can also seriously affect vital functions such as chewing, breathing and speech. It is important to bear in mind, for example, that failing to chew food properly can lead to digestive problems.
Thus, orthognathic surgery not only improves facial aesthetics and dental alignment, but does so on a much more significant level. It also helps to reduce or eliminate problems with chewing or speaking, and issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. The bottom line is that it improves overall quality of life.
The aim of orthognathic surgery is to correct irregularities in the position of the upper and lower jaws. When correcting a bite, the upper and lower jaws are realigned so that the teeth always fit together correctly. This process may require repositioning of the jawbones using osteotomies – controlled surgical cuts to reshape the bone structure. This allows the position of the bones to be adjusted to achieve proper alignment.
It is possible that, during orthognathic surgery, other complementary procedures may be carried out to optimise both aesthetic and functional results. In the case, for example, of a gummy smile, certain adjustments can be made to the position of the jaws and teeth, as well as to the soft tissues, to achieve a more harmonious and balanced smile.
It is important to note that orthognathic surgery requires careful planning, a thorough pre-operative assessment and smooth communication between the various professionals involved throughout the process. In order to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you, we will carry out a series of diagnostic tests prior to the procedure, including three-dimensional scans and analyses of dental models.
If you are considering orthognathic surgery to correct your open bite or other issues, we encourage you to consult a qualified maxillofacial surgeon. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message to 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org.
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
