How to fix open bite issues is a question we hear frequently from patients who struggle to bite into a sandwich or feel self-conscious about their smile. An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap.
At Mavidenta Dental Clinic in Istanbul, we specialise in correcting complex malocclusions. Our 7,000 square meter facility houses dedicated specialists like Dr. Murat Demir, an orthodontist with over 15 years of experience in invisible aligners and bite correction. Whether your case requires simple alignment or complex maxillofacial intervention, our team will provide a comprehensive solution.
If you are tired of functional discomfort, book a free online consultation via WhatsApp +905534843641 to receive an AI-powered smile design preview and a clinical assessment from our Istanbul specialists.
What Is an Open Bite?
In clinical terms, an open bite is a type of malocclusion where teeth fail to reach each other. This isn’t just an aesthetic concern; it affects chewing efficiency, speech (often causing a lisp), and leads to excessive wear on the back teeth, which are forced to do all the work.
Anterior open bite vs posterior open bite
An anterior open bite is the most common form, occurring when the front upper and lower teeth don’t overlap. A posterior open bite is rarer and happens when the front teeth touch, but the back molars do not, preventing proper grinding of food.
How to tell if you have an open bite
You likely have an open bite if you can stick your tongue through your teeth while your jaws are “closed.” Other signs include difficulty biting through thin foods (like lettuce or pepperoni) and a permanent gap between the upper and lower arches.
What Causes an Open Bite?
Understanding the root cause is essential for knowing how to fix open bites with the right treatment. In our experience, most cases fall into two categories: habit-based or skeletal.
Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting habits
Prolonged thumb sucking after age 4 can misshape the developing bone. Similarly, “tongue thrusting”, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing or rest, exerts constant pressure that pushes the teeth outward.
Skeletal causes (jaw structure)
Some patients are genetically predisposed to an open bite. This happens when the jaws grow apart rather than parallel. According to the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics (2021), skeletal open bites often require a combination of orthodontics and surgical intervention for a stable result.
Prolonged dummy or bottle use
Extended use of a dummy (pacifier) or bottle beyond early childhood can restrict the downward growth of the anterior teeth, resulting in a curved “arch” gap.
How to Fix an Open Bite: All Treatment Options
At Mavidenta, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We use 3D intraoral scanning to map your bite before Dr. Murat Demir or Dr. Necat Aslan (DDS, PhD) designs a plan.
Clear aligners (Invisalign) for mild open bites
For mild to moderate dental open bites, clear aligners are highly effective. We use “attachments” (small tooth-coloured bumps) to help the aligners “extrude” or pull the front teeth down into a closed position.
Traditional braces for moderate cases
Open bite braces remain the “gold standard” for moderate cases. Using high-tension wires and inter-arch elastics, we can move the teeth with more precision than aligners in complex scenarios.
Jaw surgery (orthognathic) for severe skeletal cases
If the gap is caused by the bone structure, “fix open bite without surgery” may not be a viable long-term option. Dr. Ahmet Yıldız, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, performs orthognathic surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw, followed by a finishing phase of braces.
Tongue habit appliances for children
In younger patients, we use “tongue cribs” or habit-breaking appliances. These prevent the tongue from pushing against the teeth, allowing the bite to close naturally as the child grows.
Open Bite Treatment in Adults vs Children
Can adults fix an open bite without surgery?
Yes, in many cases. We often use temporary anchorage devices (TADs), tiny titanium screws, to “intrude” the back teeth. By pushing the back teeth further into the bone, the jaw rotates closed at the front.
Best age to treat an open bite
The ideal age is between 7 and 10, when the jaw is still growing. However, about 60% of our international patients at Mavidenta are adults who missed out on childhood treatment. It is never too late to achieve a functional bite.
How Long Does Open Bite Treatment Take?
- Clear Aligners: 12 to 18 months.
- Braces: 18 to 24 months.
- Surgery + Braces: 24 to 36 months (including 12 months of pre-surgical alignment).
Open Bite Treatment Cost: UK vs Turkey
The primary reason patients fly to Istanbul is the significant savings in costs without sacrificing clinical quality. We use the same Swiss-engineered materials (Straumann) and German ceramics as top Harley Street clinics.
Here’s the difference in cost between Turkey and the UK:
| Treatment Type | UK Private Cost (Est.) | Mavidenta Turkey Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces (Dual Arch) | £3,500 – £5,000 | £1,200 – £1,800 |
| Clear Aligners (Full) | £4,000 – £6,000 | £2,000 – £2,800 |
| Jaw Surgery (Private) | £15,000+ | £4,500 – £7,000 |
Note: Prices vary based on case complexity. Mavidenta packages include VIP transfers, 5-star hotel stays, and all diagnostic X-rays.
From First Message to Final Smile: A Mavidenta Patient Story
Kevin, a 34-year-old assistant from Manchester, contacted us via WhatsApp after years of being unable to bite into a slice of pizza. His anterior open bite was roughly 5mm, caused by a childhood tongue-thrust habit.
The Assessment: After sending us clear photos and a local X-ray, Dr. Murat Demir conducted a video call. Kevin was worried he needed surgery, but Dr. Demir proposed a non-surgical plan using clear aligners and TADs (mini-screws).
The Arrival: Kevin arrived in Istanbul on a Monday. Our VIP driver met him at the airport. On Tuesday, he visited the clinic for 3D scanning. “The clinic looked more like a boutique hotel than a dentist,” Kevin noted.
The Treatment: We fitted his aligners and placed two TADs in the upper jaw to help rotate the bite. Kevin felt a slight pressure but no sharp pain. We provided him with enough aligner trays for the next six months.
Recovery & Follow-up: Kevin returned to Manchester the next day. We monitored his progress every 6 weeks via our remote dental monitoring app.
The Result: 14 months later, the gap was gone. Kevin returned to Istanbul for a final check and his fixed retainers. “I can actually eat properly for the first time in my life,” he told us. “I was worried about the language barrier, but the in-house translators made it feel like I was at home.”
Can Open Bite Come Back After Treatment?
Relapse is a real risk with open bites. Because the tongue is a powerful muscle, it can push teeth back out if habits aren’t corrected. This is why we have different techniques to retain the results, including:
- Retention: We provide both fixed (wire) and removable retainers.
- Tongue Retraining: We often recommend myofunctional therapy exercises to ensure the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth, not against the teeth.
Open Bite Treatment in Turkey: What to Expect
When you choose Mavidenta, you aren’t just getting a dentist; you are getting a dedicated medical travel team.
- Clinics: Our Istanbul facility is one of the largest in Europe.
- Trips: Usually, 2 to 3 short trips are required over 12 months for orthodontic cases.
- Safety: We offer a 97.8% success rate on complex cases and provide a written 20-year warranty on crown and bridge work if required as part of the bite correction.
Conclusion
Understanding how to fix open bite issues begins with one clinical reality: this is not a cosmetic inconvenience. It is a functional problem that affects how you eat, how you speak, and, over time, how your remaining teeth wear under the uneven pressure of a misaligned jaw.
If you suspect you have an open bite, or you have already been told you need treatment but found the UK private quotes unworkable, send your photographs or X-rays to our clinical team via WhatsApp at +905534843641. Dr. Murat Demir will assess your case and clarify whether a surgical or non-surgical route is the right path for your specific anatomy.
FAQ: How to Fix an Open Bite
Can an open bite be fixed without surgery?
Most dental open bites (where only teeth are the issue) can be fixed with braces or aligners. Skeletal cases in adults may require surgery, but we often use “camouflage” orthodontics using TADs to avoid the operating theatre whenever possible.
What is the best treatment for an open bite in adults?
Invisible aligners combined with skeletal anchorage (TADs) are often the best choice for adults. They allow for discreet treatment while providing the force necessary to close the anterior gap and improve facial symmetry.
How long does it take to fix an open bite with braces?
Typically 18 to 24 months. Because we are moving teeth vertically (extruding them), the process must be slow and steady to ensure the tooth roots remain healthy and the bone has time to reform.
Is open bite surgery dangerous?
Like any major surgery, it has risks, but under the care of a specialist like Dr. Ahmet Yıldız, it is a routine procedure. We perform these in a fully equipped hospital setting with general anaesthesia and 24/7 post-op monitoring.
Can I fix my open bite in Turkey?
Yes. Istanbul is a global hub for orthodontics. At Mavidenta, we offer a “full-package” experience where your treatment, accommodation, and transfers are handled, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.
