---
title: "What Is Open bite? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "An open bite is when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between them."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/open-bite
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Open bite

An open bite is when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between them.

An open bite is a type of [malocclusion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion). With an open bite, your upper and lower front teeth do not touch when you close your mouth. A gap remains between them. Some people have this at the back teeth instead.

Causes of bite problems include crowded or crooked teeth, or upper and lower jaws that do not align the way they should. Habits such as [thumb sucking](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/thumb-sucking) can play a part in some bites.

A dentist can look at the bite and explain the cause. Treatment may include braces or [clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners) are an option. A dentist can look at your bite and talk with you about choices. Our office describes straightening on its [teeth straightening page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening). See also overbite.

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening)

## Related terms

-   [Malocclusion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion)
-   [Thumb sucking](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/thumb-sucking)
-   [Overbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/overbite)
-   [Crossbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crossbite)
-   [Clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): Types & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22010-malocclusion)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)