I'm wondering if I have a slight open bite and wonder if anyone could answer a few questions on this?

Here goes!

Does an open bite mean the front teeth do not quite meet?

If you have an open bite why exactly is is problematic, what harm does it do?

I've read that use of a nightguard and the NTI can cause open bites, why is this, and how long would it take for this to happen if someone used either? Could it happen in two weeks or would it take longer?

Thanks!

Isobel

Hi Isobelj,

An anterior open bite means that your front teeth don't meet, and a posterior open bite means that your back teeth don't meet.

I had always had a very slight anterior open bite, but after I used an NTI, it opened more. I have since had it closed more with crowns. I couldn't close it all the way because it would have looked like I have rat teeth.

One of the problems with an anterior open bite is that it is very difficult to bite through food. Also, if your grind your teeth at night, the lack of canine guidance could mean that all the force is directed on the molars. Having all the force so close to the joint can put more strain on it than if the force were directed more anteriorally. I still wear my NTI at night so it is kind of like having canine guidance.

I have been told (and I believe it) that through use of NTI, my muscles became more relaxed and allowed my condyles to move into a more stable position. Unfortunately, I think that for about 5% of us that use NTI, the bite opens.

Having the condyle reposition is in itself not enough to help me. I believe it has been helpful in that I have less clicking, but my pain is primarily muscular. In order to control that pain, I have to keep wearing my NTI.

I don't know how long it takes on average for a bite to open in splint therapy. It happened gradually for me. I also don't know how long you have to wear the splint before the change is permanent. Bone is a dynamic tissue and remodels itself, so I know I have had some changes that could not be easily reversed.

I hope this helps.

Thank you so much Michelle for the comprehensive reply. I've altogether worn my nightguard for 12 nights so far, I am guessing this isn't long enough to have opened my anterior further?

Actually after reading there is such a thing as a posterior open bite, I believe I have this, my back teeth only meet one side at a time as the right molars are lower on the bottom than the left, my bite is basically amazingly unstable.

Michelle, do you think it is grinding and clenching that originally primarily caused your tmj?

Isobel

Hi Isobelj,

I do believe that my clenching is the greatest contributor to my TMJ problems. Clenching any muscles for hours at a time has to make them hurt.

I'd write more, but I have to leave for work. :(

Best wishes.