Open Bite
Front teeth that do not meet when closed — affecting chewing and speech.
What it means
Understanding open bite
An open bite is where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed together, leaving a visible gap between them. Because the front teeth cannot come together, an open bite can make it harder to bite into certain foods and can affect speech and appearance. It may relate to the position of the teeth, the jaws, or habits.
Open bites can develop for several reasons, including childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, tongue position, or the way the jaws have grown. Identifying the underlying cause is important, as it influences what treatment can realistically achieve and how stable the result will be.
A GDC-registered dentist will assess your bite and the likely contributing factors and explain suitable options honestly.
Common causes of open bite
Several factors can contribute to open bite. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- Prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use in childhood
- Tongue position or tongue-thrust habits
- The way the jaws have grown
- The position of the front or back teeth
- Inherited characteristics
- In some cases, jaw-joint factors
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- A visible gap between the front teeth when biting
- Difficulty biting into foods such as sandwiches
- The back teeth taking most of the biting force
- Effects on speech in some cases
- Feeling self-conscious about the smile
- Uneven wear on the back teeth
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about open bite, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
Milder open bites that relate mainly to tooth position can sometimes be improved with clear aligner treatment, which repositions the teeth so the front teeth meet more effectively, followed by a retainer to maintain the result. Addressing any contributing habit, such as tongue thrusting, supports stability.
More pronounced open bites involving the jaws can be complex, and the result can be prone to relapse if the underlying cause is not addressed; your dentist will explain the appropriate route and any onward referral. A full assessment is essential to understand the cause before recommending treatment.
Your dentist will give an honest view of what is achievable and how the result can be maintained, and provide a written estimate beforehand, as individual results vary.
The treatment we most often use
ProAligner Clear Aligners
Near-invisible, removable clear aligners that straighten teeth discreetly — from simple front-tooth correction to comprehensive alignment.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Address thumb sucking and dummy habits in childhood
- Seek assessment for tongue-thrust habits
- Wear your retainer diligently after treatment
- Have the bite monitored over time
- Keep teeth and gums healthy for stability
- Follow professional advice to reduce the risk of relapse
When to see a dentist
If this sounds familiar, it's worth having it assessed early — problems are almost always simpler to treat when caught sooner. A £30 consultation lets a GDC-registered dentist find the cause and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure to proceed.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Open bites can be caused by childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, tongue position or tongue thrusting, or the way the jaws have grown. Identifying the underlying cause is important because it affects treatment and how stable the result will be.
Milder open bites related mainly to tooth position can sometimes be improved with clear aligners. More pronounced or jaw-related open bites can be complex and prone to relapse. An assessment determines what is realistic in your case.
Open bites can be prone to relapse if a contributing habit, such as tongue thrusting, is not addressed. Wearing your retainer as advised and managing any underlying cause are important for keeping the result stable long term.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians