What Is an Open Bite?

An open bite is when the top and bottom teeth don’t match up at either the front or back of the mouth when the jaw is closed. This creates a space between the teeth known as a “malocclusion.” There are many underlying issues that can cause a bad bite, with other secondary effects of a poor alignment being pain, problems with hygiene, and gum decay.

While often complex to treat, a licensed orthodontist nearby will be able to correct this uncomfortable condition with a variety of treatment options typically available. If you’re suffering with an open bite, Frugé Orthodontics is here to help.

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What Causes an Open Bite?

Generally, causes for an open bite are broken down into dental or skeletal issues, though sometimes the condition is caused by both. Here are the top three causes of an open bite:

Genetics

Poor bone growth is typically caused by genetics. These genes are passed down through the family, causing skeletal issues leading to malocclusions.

Bad Oral Habits

Dental causes of malocclusions stem from habits that interrupt important dental development, typically during earlier ages. These include:

lip sucking
thumb sucking
tongue thrusting

Soft Tissue Issues

Patients with open bites can have issues with their soft tissues that make the issue worse. These include:

poor swallowing patterns
bad tongue posture
inflammation of joints
poor tongue posture

No matter the cause, correcting an open bite is possible with the help of a trained, local orthodontic specialist like those at Frugé Orthodontics.

What are the signs of an open bite?

The most notable sign of an open bite is the inability to close the teeth at the front of the mouth, even if the jaw is completely closed. Additional signs of an open bite are:

problems with chewing or swallowing
recessed chin
speech problems
painful eating
inability to rip food easily with front teeth

Treating an Open Bite

There are many ways for an experienced orthodontist to treat an open bite. Some involve more invasive procedures than others. You must understand the risks vs. benefits of any treatment plan before moving forward; a reputable orthodontist won’t pressure you in any way. Treatment modalities for malocclusions include:

Traditional Braces

An effective and standard treatment for an open bite, braces move teeth around with a variety of bands and spacers. These are most effective during early development before the bones are fully fused, but they can significantly correct adult bites as well.

Invisalign®

Invisalign can treat some types of open bites by moving teeth around, just like braces. They have the additional benefit of being able to be removed while also appearing less obvious than traditional braces.

Oral Surgery

Sometimes, oral surgery for an open bite is the only way to correct it. It is only used for very complex cases that would otherwise not be treated successfully with braces. A careful, long-term plan is established between patients and providers to ensure the best results with minimal risks.

Retainers

Retainers for open bites are preventative measures that seek to stop malocclusions from forming once teeth have been straightened. It’s important to follow the instructions of a licensed, experienced orthodontist so that retainers don’t go to waste.

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Other Common Treatments

While it might seem straightforward, there are several different types of open bites that range in severity. If you’re concerned about a potential malocclusion, then it’s best to contact an experienced orthodontist nearby for a proper diagnosis. You’ll most likely undergo an x-ray exam or some other three-dimensional imaging process to determine your specific problems. Once a proper diagnosis is made, treatment plans can begin.

Why Choose Frugé Orthodontics?

30+ years

of providing care

4 locations

in Louisiana

The trained orthodontic specialists at Frugé Orthodontics will help you correct your malocclusion for a more aesthetic and functional bite. Your open bite will not correct itself and will potentially become worse over time if left alone. Contact our open bite treatment clinic nearby for a consultation and start the process of straightening your smile today!

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Our Patients Love Us!

Dr. Andre was really nice and all of the staff were friendly and helpful

Frances Weiter Aug 27, 2025

Andre is the best out there! Stop by to see him if you need braces.

MsApeachS Aug 27, 2025

Love the staff!

Amber Sumerall Aug 26, 2025

Dr. Jim was great!!! Experience was great from start to finish!!! Everyone was so nice and professional. Highly recommend Frugé Orthodontics!!! Max loves his smile!!

Max Hampton Aug 25, 2025

Made me feel comfortable and understand my treatment plan. Definitely friendly and helpful

Layla Wilson Aug 23, 2025

I had a great experience at Dr. Fruge’s office. The staff is friendly and accommodating. They anticipated my needs and were very clear with instructions and what to expect next. I would recommend Dr. Fruge to my family. He is very thorough and answered all my questions. I felt very special during my visit.

Aldo Russo Aug 20, 2025

Dr Andre and his staff have been amazing!

Melissa Welch Aug 18, 2025

We love Dr. Jim. Great orthodontists.

Penny Boudreaux Aug 12, 2025

Hands down the best service and equipment you’ll find. Everyone here treats you like family, and the quality of their work is top-notch. If you’re seeing this, you’ll waste time looking somewhere else — I promise you won’t regret coming here.

Imad Alwaisi Aug 11, 2025

My husband and I both had braces with Fruge and our children will do the same! Amazing service and care.

Erin Smith Aug 8, 2025

A BIG thank you to Dr. Andre and his amazing staff. They’re always so welcoming and genuinely caring. Dr. Andre is personable, kind, and very talented. I absolutely love my smile and truly grateful for him and his team!

carly meche Aug 6, 2025

The team here is wonderful!!! The doctors and all the ladies are kind and work together to create beautiful smiles.
So very pleased. 😀

Rachel Beyer Aug 4, 2025

Both daughter and son had great experiences and results at Fruge. Thanks for all the efforts across the Fruge team in accomplishing this success story.

B. W. Aug 3, 2025

I started the treatment process for Invisalign about 1 year ago. My experience with staff upon arrival to do the initial scans, pictures, evaluation, and consultation in efforts to straighten my smile was very smooth, educational, and accommodating in every area. When I met with my treatment coordinator, Becky, she went over all payment options, treatment timeline, and effectively gathered any and all of my personal preferences in terms of my goals. Dr. Jim later joined us and efficiently explained...

Seth Hooper Jul 30, 2025

We have love using Fruge! We have been to 2 of their locations and their staff is great. Ally is always so friendly and greets everyone with a smile. We will definitely recommend.

Ashley Fanguy Jul 30, 2025

I have an awesome experience every time. Everyone is always so kind and patient they make you feel like you’re at home. Ally one of the Assistants there is phenomenal and is a pleasure to be around, they’re all great though definitely recommend for your braces needs:)

Ainsley Guillory Jul 30, 2025

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We’ll answer all of your questions, provide a personalized treatment plan, and work with your insurance and finances to find a solution that works for you. Ready to schedule your complimentary consultation with our orthodontists? Request a callback and we’ll reach out at a time that works best for you.

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