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Question:
In the last year I have developed an open bite of almost 2mm. I am 21 years old and until recently have had a perfectly normal bite. I have inherited a missing full set of adult bicuspid teeth and so I still have a full set of baby bicuspids. I also only have one wisdom tooth which has not yet grown in. Aside from this I have had no other dental issues.
My dentist is always reluctant to give any bad news and so I feel the situation may be much more serious than he will tell me. (I have an appointment with an oral surgeon.) I am wondering what may cause me to develop an open bite at this age. I am also curious as to how it may be corrected. ...Sarah in London, Ontario
Answer:
Sarah, no need to worry yourself. Your dentist was correct to refer you to an oral surgeon. It is extremely unlikely that your condition is caused by anything serious. An open bite in 95% of the cases is hereditary. Do either of your parents have a history of an open bite? In all probability one of them does.
The oral surgeon will most likely evaluate you for a surgical correction of
the problem. However, if the problem is caused by a habit such as tongue
thrusting, pushing the tongue forward against the front teeth when
swallowing, or thumb sucking (at 21 I doubt it), then the habit has to be
corrected before a surgical correction can be performed.
The oral surgeon will evaluate you and inform you of the best way to treat the open bite. Until then, Sarah, don't lose any sleep over this. Hope this has allayed your fears somewhat.
Florida Reconstructive Dentistry
Mitchell Pohl, DDS
2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 105
Boca Raton Florida FL 33431
(561) 368-3440
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