What Causes an Open Bite?
Certain oral habits, such as thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting, can create a malformation in the upper and lower jaws that prevents them from growing in such a way that the teeth come together. Genetics can also play a role. Certain speech impediments, such as lisping, can contribute to the problem, as well. An open bite itself can create the speech impediment, and sometimes it is difficult to know which developed first. Aside from Cosmetic Concerns, Why Should an Open Bite Be Treated? An open bite should be corrected because it usually affects the functioning of the mouth. People with an open bite cannot, for example, sheer off the lettuce in a sandwich when they bite into it. Also, most people’s speech is much improved after their open bite is corrected. Another important reason to fix an open bite is to prevent or alleviate temporo-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ); the misaligned jaw exerts excess pressure on the jaw joint. TMJ can lead to head and cheek pain, a clicking or popping
