No it will not! Early orthodontic treatment is advised to fix the bite.
Thumb Sucking & Open Bite Treatment for Kids
What are open bite teeth in children?
An open bite occurs when the top and bottom teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed, leaving a gap between the upper and lower front teeth. This is a common dental issue in children caused by prolonged dummy or thumb-sucking habits, or natural tongue posture.
Why is open bite treatment important?
Thumb sucking teeth in toddlers can have long-term detrimental orthodontic effects, such as:
- Excessive tooth wear
- Speech difficulties
- Jaw discomfort
- Chewing difficulties
The potential benefits of treating it can include improved chewing, corrected swallowing and enhanced speech quality, supporting overall oral function and health.
How is an open bite corrected?
The correction process generally takes 12 to 15 months; however, each individual case requires its own unique treatment.
- An expansion plate is bonded to the upper back teeth
- Alongside the placement of braces across the upper six front teeth
The expansion plate increases jaw width, creating space for the teeth to be realigned by the braces.
At the end of the treatment, an upper removable retainer plate will be issued to maintain the expansion, the position of the teeth and the alignment of the bite.
Book your child’s open bite treatment consultation today
To explore your options, book a consultation with Smile Orthodontics.
Dr. Emma will assess the best course of treatment for your child, guiding you through every stage with clarity, care and individual solutions.
Crossbite Examples
EXPANSION PLATE
Often the treatment involves widening the top jaw to create more bone and space for the alignment of the teeth.
This is usually carried out using an expansion plate bonded to the upper back teeth and braces placed across the upper six front teeth.
FAQs
Thumb sucking may be a concern after age four, or later, when the permanent teeth begin to come through. So it is best treated early to prevent problems when the adult teeth come through.
Treatment may cause mild discomfort as your child’s mouth adjusts, but it should not cause pain. Dr. Emma and the Smiles Team will provide advice to ensure a comfortable experience.
Treatment time varies based on individual cases, but generally ranges from 12 to 15 months. Dr. Emma can provide a personalised estimate after your initial assessment.