Correction of open bite
About
Open bite correction is an orthodontic service for patients whose upper and lower teeth do not make contact normally when the mouth is closed. The aim is to improve tooth contact, bite function and dental alignment according to the individual orthodontic findings. The most common form is an anterior open bite, where the front teeth remain separated when the back teeth meet. A posterior open bite is less common and affects contact between teeth further back in the dental arch. You can read more about the condition itself on the ZagrebMed page about open bite.
Patients may seek an assessment because they notice a visible gap between the upper and lower teeth or because biting into food is difficult. Some people also experience problems with chewing or certain aspects of speech, although these are not present in every patient and orthodontic treatment should not be presented as a guaranteed solution for speech or breathing concerns.
Key facts about open bite correction
- The treatment plan depends on whether the problem is mainly dental, skeletal or a combination of both.
- Children who are still growing, adolescents and adults require different diagnostic and treatment considerations.
- Fixed braces, clear aligners and additional orthodontic mechanics can be considered, but no single system is suitable for every open bite.
- More pronounced skeletal discrepancies may require interdisciplinary assessment and, in selected cases, orthognathic surgery.
- Retention is an important part of treatment because an open bite can partially reopen after active orthodontic treatment.
Dental and skeletal open bite
An open bite does not always mean that the upper and lower jaws are positioned incorrectly. In some patients, the main problem is dental, meaning that the position or eruption of individual teeth contributes most to the lack of contact. In other patients, the relationship and growth pattern of the jaws plays a more important role. Some cases combine dental and skeletal components.
This distinction matters because orthodontics can move teeth and modify their position within the dental arches, but orthodontic tooth movement alone cannot fully correct every significant skeletal jaw discrepancy. The orthodontist therefore evaluates the bite as a whole rather than choosing an appliance only from the appearance of the front teeth.
Assessment in children, adolescents and adults
Children can be assessed while growth is still taking place, particularly when an open bite is developing or when oral habits, eruption patterns or jaw growth may influence the bite. There is no universal age at which every patient should start treatment. Timing depends on dental development, growth, the type of open bite and the objective of treatment.
In adolescents and adults, the orthodontist evaluates established tooth positions, periodontal health, previous orthodontic treatment and the dental or skeletal component of the malocclusion. Adults can undergo open bite correction when the findings are suitable, but treatment planning may differ from that of a growing child.
Oral habits and the position and function of the tongue may also be assessed when clinically relevant. Tongue posture or function can contribute to some cases, but it should not automatically be assumed to be the cause of every open bite. When findings suggest that another professional assessment would be useful, orthodontic care can be coordinated with other specialists.
What the orthodontic assessment includes
The treatment decision begins with an orthodontic examination. The orthodontist evaluates how the upper and lower teeth meet, the position of individual teeth, facial and jaw relationships, dental development and previous treatment history.
Digital intraoral scanning and clinical photographs can be used to document the teeth and bite. Panoramic or cephalometric imaging, or other diagnostic records, may be requested when indicated. Patients should not obtain new X-rays on their own before the assessment unless an orthodontist has specifically requested them. Existing images and reports can be reviewed first.
How treatment is selected
For suitable cases, open bite correction can be performed with fixed orthodontic appliances. Depending on the diagnosis, metal or aesthetic brackets may be considered. Self-ligating systems are another fixed-appliance option, but they are not automatically superior or necessary for open bite correction.
Clear aligners may also be appropriate in selected patients. Their suitability depends on the type and severity of the open bite, the required tooth movements and the patient's ability to follow the wearing schedule. An aligner system should therefore not be chosen simply because it is less visible.
ZagrebMed is expanding its orthodontic offer with Viaorto and orthodontic specialist Dr. Vedrana Grgurevic. Viaorto's available range includes conventional metal and aesthetic fixed appliances, self-ligating options, Damon Ultima and SPARK Express, Lite, Comprehensive and Unlimited aligner packages. These are treatment tools and package options, not a recommendation for a particular open bite. The appropriate method must follow the orthodontic diagnosis.
Some cases require additional orthodontic mechanics or procedures to obtain appropriate tooth movement or anchorage. These may be considered individually by the treating orthodontist and should not be attributed to a specific clinic unless confirmed. The broader range of available orthodontic pathways can be viewed under orthodontics.
When jaw surgery may be considered
For selected adults with a pronounced skeletal open bite, orthodontic treatment alone may not provide the intended correction of the jaw relationship. In such cases, an interdisciplinary assessment may include an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Orthognathic surgery can then be considered as part of a combined treatment pathway. This is not required for every open bite and should not be attributed to Viaorto or any other provider unless that service is specifically confirmed.
How the treatment pathway usually works
Step 1: Send your information
When contacting ZagrebMed, it is useful to provide your age, the main problem you notice when biting or chewing, any previous orthodontic treatment, existing dental or orthodontic reports and images, and your availability for follow-up appointments. International patients should also indicate how often they can realistically travel to Zagreb.
Step 2: Orthodontic assessment
The orthodontist establishes whether the open bite is mainly dental, skeletal or combined and evaluates factors that may influence treatment stability. Additional diagnostic records are requested only when clinically useful.
Step 3: Individual treatment plan
The treatment plan defines the therapeutic objective, appliance or aligner option when appropriate, any additional orthodontic mechanics, expected follow-up requirements and retention strategy. Treatment duration cannot be accurately determined from the diagnosis name alone and varies according to complexity and response to treatment.
Step 4: Active treatment and controls
Regular orthodontic controls are required to monitor tooth movement, bite changes, appliance condition and oral health. The interval between appointments depends on the treatment system and the individual plan. Patient cooperation, including appliance care, oral hygiene, elastic wear or aligner wear when prescribed, can materially influence treatment progress.
Step 5: Retention and follow-up
After active correction, retention is used to help maintain the achieved tooth positions and bite relationship. The type and duration of retention are determined individually. Open bite has a recognized tendency to recur in some patients, particularly when contributing functional, growth or skeletal factors remain, so long-term follow-up and adherence to retention instructions are important.
Planning treatment for international patients
For patients travelling to Zagreb from abroad, the control schedule should be considered before treatment starts. ZagrebMed can help clarify which records are useful for the initial assessment and organize communication with the selected orthodontic provider. The feasibility of longer intervals between visits depends on the appliance, treatment stage and clinical findings and must be agreed with the orthodontist.
If you are considering open bite correction in Croatia, send ZagrebMed your age, a short description of the biting or chewing problem, information about previous orthodontic treatment, any existing records or scans, and your possible dates for appointments. You can then request an assessment and receive a treatment proposal based on the actual orthodontic findings rather than choosing an appliance in advance.
Candidate
Open bite correction may be considered for children during growth, adolescents and adults when the lack of contact between the upper and lower teeth affects bite function, dental alignment or appearance. Difficulty biting into food is a common practical reason to request an orthodontic assessment. Suitability depends on whether the open bite is primarily dental, skeletal or combined, as well as dental development, periodontal health, previous orthodontic treatment and the required tooth movements. Patients with a pronounced skeletal discrepancy may need interdisciplinary assessment before deciding whether orthodontic treatment alone is appropriate.
Preparation
Preparation begins with an orthodontic examination and review of the bite, teeth, dental development and relevant medical and dental history. Digital scanning and photographs may be used, while panoramic, cephalometric or other imaging is requested only when clinically indicated. Patients should bring or send existing orthodontic records, dental images and reports if available, but should not arrange new imaging before the specialist assessment unless specifically instructed. International patients should also discuss how often they can return to Zagreb for controls so that this can be considered in treatment planning.
Treatment
Treatment is individualized according to the type of open bite. Fixed metal or aesthetic braces may be used in appropriate cases, while clear aligners can be considered when the required tooth movements and patient cooperation make them suitable. Self-ligating systems are one available appliance category but are not automatically preferable. Some patients require additional orthodontic mechanics or interdisciplinary treatment. Selected pronounced skeletal cases may be evaluated for a combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical approach. Regular controls are required throughout active treatment, and the exact schedule depends on the appliance and treatment stage.
Result
The goal is to improve appropriate contact between the upper and lower teeth, bite function and dental alignment according to the individual treatment plan. Changes in appearance may accompany orthodontic correction, but the expected result depends on the dental and skeletal findings and the treatment method. Some patients may find biting or chewing easier after successful correction, but speech or breathing improvement should not be promised as an orthodontic treatment outcome. Stability varies, and retention after active treatment is important because an open bite can partially recur.
Precautions
Orthodontic treatment can cause temporary pressure, tenderness or irritation, particularly after appliance placement or adjustments. Good oral hygiene is important throughout treatment because fixed appliances and aligners can make plaque control more demanding. Treatment progress depends partly on cooperation with appliance care, aligner or elastic wear when prescribed and attendance at controls. Tooth movement and treatment response vary between patients. Retention instructions should be followed after active treatment because open bite has a risk of relapse. Persistent significant pain, appliance damage or unexpected dental or gum problems should be discussed with the treating orthodontist.
ZagrebMed patient reviews
Fast and quality service!
Fast and quality service.
F.A.Q.
An open bite is characterized by an empty space between the upper and lower front teeth when closed.
Correction of an open bite typically involves orthodontic methods such as braces, Invisalign, or other devices.
The duration of the process depends on the severity of the issue but may take from several months to a few years.
Regular appointments with the orthodontist are usually necessary every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor progress and adjust the therapy.
Discomfort may be present after the placement of orthodontic devices, but it is usually not severe and can be alleviated with pain relievers.
Yes, Invisalign is often an option for open bite correction, providing a more discreet solution than traditional braces.
No, open bite correction can be carried out at different stages of life.
The orthodontist can provide guidance and advice on dealing with any discomfort during the wearing of orthodontic devices.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during open bite correction. Regular brushing and flossing are important.
Send an inquiry for the treatment
Start your way towards a successful treatment today. Fill out the form with your data, choose the service you need and we will connect you with the top medical experts in Zagreb.