Your teeth might not touch due to a condition called an openbite, where your upper and lower front teeth don't meet when you bite down. This lack of vertical overlap between the incisor (front) teeth can stem from a few key reasons, as explained below:
Understanding Openbite
An openbite is specifically defined by a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect your ability to bite into certain foods and may lead to speech difficulties in some cases.
Causes of Openbite
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Abnormal Jaw Growth | The growth patterns of one or both of your jaws may be such that they don’t align properly, preventing the front teeth from meeting. |
| Thumb or Finger Sucking Habit | Prolonged thumb or finger sucking can exert pressure on the developing teeth and jaws, leading to an openbite. |
Additional Factors
Other factors may also contribute to an openbite:
- Tongue Thrusting: The habit of pushing the tongue against the front teeth during swallowing.
- Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose may contribute.
- Skeletal Issues: Issues with the overall bone structure of the face and jaw.
What to Do If Your Teeth Don't Touch
If your teeth don’t touch, it’s recommended that you:
- See a dentist or orthodontist: They can diagnose the exact cause of your openbite and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
- Address the underlying habit: If a thumb sucking habit is the cause, it will need to be addressed for effective treatment.
- Consider orthodontic treatment: Braces or other appliances can help correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws.
