A lack of vertical overlap of the incisor teeth can usually be caused by inherited or environmental factors. Finger and thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can contribute to an openbite. Early identification and interception of the problem is especially important in treating an openbite.

Openbite Before
After
Class III open bite malocclusion treated with braces only.
Openbite - Lateral Tongue Thrust: Before
Progress
After
Treated with braces only
Openbite Before
Openbite After
Lateral Tongue Thrust Before
After
Class II malocclusion with lateral tongue thrust treated with braces only