If you’ve been diagnosed with an open bite, you’re probably researching different orthodontic treatments options that fit your lifestyle. Many adults and teens prefer clear aligners like Invisalign® because they’re discreet, comfortable, and easier to manage than traditional braces.
But can Invisalign actually fix an open bite? The short answer is yes, in many cases —but the success of Invisalign treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of the open bite.
In this article, we’ll explain what an open bite is, what causes it, whether Invisalign for open bite is an effective solution, and when other treatments may be recommended.
In this article, we’ll explain what an open bite is, what causes it, whether Invisalign for open bite is an effective solution, and when other treatments may be recommended.
What is an open bite?
An open is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This gap can occur in the front or back of the mouth and may affect both function and appearance.
An open bite can impact your oral health in different ways such as:
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food
- Swallowing challenges
- Speech issues
- Uneven tooth wear
If you suffer from an anterior open bite, excess pressure on your back teeth can increase the risk of gum problems, tooth mobility, or even fractures.
Types of open bite
There are two main types of open bite:
- Anterior open bite
This occurs when the back teeth touch, but the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. It is the most common type of open bite and often affects speech, chewing, and smiling. - Posterior open bite
A posterior open bite happens when the front teeth meet, but the back teeth do not make contact. This can make chewing difficult and place excess stress on certain teeth.
If you are unsure about if you suffer malocclusion look for these symptoms:
- Abnormal alignment of teeth
- Changes in facial appearance
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Speech difficulties, such as a lisp
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty biting into food properly
What causes an open bite?
Occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Ideally, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, allowing bite forces to be evenly distributed. Proper alignment also protects the cheeks, lips, and tongue during chewing.
An open bite can develop as a result of a combination of genetics, habits, and jaw growth patterns, with genetics being one of the most common factors. Often, there is a mismatch between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between jaw and tooth size.
Common causes include:
- Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier or bottle use
- Mouth breathing or improper tongue posture
- Differences in upper and lower jaw size (often family-related)
- Extra, missing, or impacted teeth
- Poorly fitting dental restorations, fillings or crowns, retainers or braces
- Trauma or jaw fractures that healed improperly
In some cases, open bites are dental (caused by tooth position), while others are skeletal (related to jaw structure). This distinction plays a major role in determining whether open bite with Invisalign is an appropriate treatment.
Does Invisalign fix an open bite?
Yes—Invisalign can fix an open bite in many cases, particularly mild to moderate open bites caused by tooth positioning rather than jaw structure.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. When planned and monitored by an experienced orthodontist, Invisalign open bite treatment can:
- Close gaps between upper and lower teeth
- Improve vertical tooth movement
- Balance bite forces for better function
That said, Invisalign is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether Invisalign for open bite is right for you depends on your unique diagnosis.
Struggling with an open bite?
Other open bite treatment options
Braces
Braces are one of the most common and effective treatments for open bite. They use brackets and wires to apply controlled forces that gradually move teeth into proper alignment and help close the bite.
Tooth extractions
Tooth reshaping or restoration
Adjusting uneven teeth or repairing poorly fitting restorations can sometimes improve bite contact and overall alignment.
Jaw surgery
The importance of consulting with an orthodontist
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straighter teeth—it’s about creating a healthy, functional bite. When teeth and jaws are properly aligned, chewing is easier, speech improves, and strain on the teeth and jaw joints is reduced.
You don’t need a referral to see an orthodontist, and early evaluation can make a great difference—especially for teens that are still growing.
Correcting moderate to severe malocclusion can:
- Make teeth easier to clean
- Reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Decrease stress on teeth and jaw muscles
- Lower the risk of TMJ-related symptoms
After orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to maintain your results.
At Image Orthodontics, our orthodontists carefully evaluate your bite, jaw alignment, and treatment goals to determine whether Invisalign or another treatment option will provide the best long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign fix anterior open bite?
Can Invisalign fix posterior open bite?
Can Invisalign fix open bite in adults?
Yes. Invisalign can help correct tooth alignment in adults when the issue is dental rather than skeletal. Invisalign treatment time typically takes 12–24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. However, if the open bite is caused by skeletal factors, jaw surgery may be recommended.
Can wisdom teeth cause open bite?
Wisdom teeth are not a primary cause of open bite. However, impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding or uneven bite contact when space is limited. Your orthodontist or dentist will evaluate whether removal is necessary.
- American Association of Orthodontists – 7 Types Of Bite Problems and Their Orthodontic Solutions
- American Association of Orthodontists – Clear Aligners
- American Dental Association – Wisdom Teeth info
- Invisalign.com – Open Bite: Causes, Treatment
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia – Malocclusion of teeth
