Which braces treatment is suitable for closing an open bite?

Doctor's Answers 3

Thank you for your enquiry. Anterior open bites are one of the side effects of excessive wearing of appliances such as the NTI splint. As the NTI splint only covers the front teeth, the back teeth are free to erupt more and causes the situation you have now.

I agree with Dr Sylvia and the team from the National Dental Centre, both Invisalign and fixed braces (metal or ceramic/white) are able to resolve open bites and align the lower teeth. You can read my recent article on Invisalign to help you decide which one to go for.

Anterior open bites tend to open up again, especially if you started off with an anterior open bite. Retainers after braces would be vital for the maintenance of your result.

Moving forward, perhaps a full coverage splint (covering all the teeth instead of just the front teeth) would be more ideal for you after orthodontic treatment is completed. Hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Dr Geraldine Lee

The type of braces required will depend on the cause of the open bite. I noted that you mentioned the open bite only after wearing the splint?

Both fixed braces and Invisalign treatment can treat open bite cases, but these need proper treatment planning to avoid the bite opening up again. Both type of braces will also help with aligning of the lower teeth. Good luck!

Best wishes: Dr Sylvia Tan

Thanks for reaching out! Both invisalign and fixed braces can close the open bite and align your teeth. However, as you have some grinding problems, it’ll be best to seek a comprehensive consultation with an orthodontist, together with a doctor who specialises in the treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) before embarking on braces treatment.

For more information, please feel free to join us at our “ Smile.Sparkle.Shine” public forum at NDCS on the 24th of March 2018 to find out more.

Similar Questions

Do braces change your facial profile?

You have asked a very interesting question and I am afraid the answer is yes and no! I will try to explain it as best I can. Braces CAN change profiles: Braces can change profiles only when the orthodontists and the patient plan to get it changed from the START of the treatment. A good example is when patients complain that when taking photographs, they notice that their side profile is sticking out and they have a very full smile (most patients use the terms, I look like a horse!) In this case, braces can help to retract the teeth to allow the patient to have a softer, gentler profile.

Photo of Dr Sylvia Tan

Answered By

Dr Sylvia Tan

Orthodontist

Should I do my dental crown or braces first?

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Photo of Dr Sylvia Tan

Answered By

Dr Sylvia Tan

Orthodontist

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