Open Bite
A malocclusion in which opposing upper and lower teeth fail to make contact when the jaws are closed, most commonly occurring in the anterior region.
Full Definition
An open bite is recorded as the vertical gap, in millimetres, between the incisal edges of the upper and lower incisors (anterior open bite) or between posterior teeth (posterior open bite) when the patient is in maximum intercuspation. Editors should note the hyphenated form 'open bite' is standard in British orthodontic literature; some North American sources use 'openbite' as a single word. The term must be distinguished from 'reduced overbite', which implies contact is present but minimal. Aetiology may include digit-sucking habits, tongue thrust, or a vertical skeletal discrepancy, and editors should preserve the aetiological distinctions made by the clinician.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'open bite' as two words in British clinical writing; always qualify as 'anterior' or 'posterior' where the site is specified.
In Context
- "The referral letter noted a 4 mm anterior open bite associated with a persistent digit-sucking habit." — Referral letter
- "Posterior open bite was identified on the right side following splint therapy." — Clinical notes