What is an Open Bite?
An open bite is an orthodontic condition where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. This can make it difficult to bite into foods, affect chewing, and contribute to speech changes such as lisping. Over time, an open bite places uneven pressure on the back teeth and affects the appearance of your smile. Open bite is one of the most challenging bite problems in orthodontics — and it is exactly the kind of case Dr. James Kendrick has been correcting for more than 45 years. Board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Kendrick treats complex bite cases that many practices refer out, with patients traveling to his Kissimmee office from across Central Florida and beyond.
Open Bite Treatment
Open bite treatment depends on what is causing the problem — oral habits, tooth position, jaw growth, or a combination. This is where experience makes the difference: Dr. Kendrick has treated thousands of bite cases over 45+ years, including severe and complex open bites that require advanced diagnosis and planning. After a thorough evaluation, he recommends an individualized approach, which may include metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or clear aligners. For growing children, habit-correcting appliances can address thumb sucking or tongue thrusting early. After active treatment, retainers protect your results for the long term.
COMMON CAUSES
An open bite may develop from oral habits, jaw growth patterns, tooth position, or a combination of factors. Common contributors include prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, differences in jaw growth, and genetics. Because the underlying cause can differ from one patient to another, a careful diagnosis is essential. Dr. Kendrick evaluates the teeth, bite, jaw development, and oral habits before recommending a personalized treatment approach designed to improve function, alignment, and long-term stability.
Benefits of Open Bite Correction
Correcting an open bite improves both how your smile works and how it looks. When the front teeth finally come together properly, biting and chewing become easier, speech becomes clearer, and pressure spreads evenly across the teeth. Closing the gap also transforms the appearance of the smile — a change patients of all ages notice right away. These results are why patients come to Dr. Kendrick from Kissimmee, Orlando, and throughout Florida: few orthodontists have his depth of experience with difficult bite corrections, and it shows in the outcomes.
Dr. Kendrick does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment is selected based on what your specific case actually requires.
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Your Journey to Better Bite Alignment
Your journey begins with a free consultation at our Kissimmee office, where Dr. Kendrick personally examines how your teeth and jaws fit together and identifies what is causing the open bite. This is not a quick look — it is a detailed diagnosis built on 45+ years of treating everything from simple to severely complex cases. Based on your age, needs, and goals, he creates a personalized treatment plan and explains every option honestly and clearly. Your progress is closely monitored throughout treatment, and once the gap is closed, retainers preserve your new alignment for years to come.
Open Bite FAQs
Common questions about open bite causes, treatment options, and open bite correction in Kissimmee, FL.
An open bite may develop from prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or the way the jaws grow. A detailed orthodontic evaluation helps identify the underlying cause.
An open bite should be evaluated as soon as it becomes noticeable. Early treatment may help correct oral habits and guide jaw growth while a child is still developing, often reducing the need for more complex treatment.
Many open bites can be treated without surgery, especially when identified early. Braces, clear aligners, and habit-correcting appliances can often close an open bite. Dr. Kendrick recommends the best approach after a full evaluation.
Yes. Adults may be treated with braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic approaches. With more than 45 years of experience, Dr. Kendrick develops a personalized plan based on the cause and severity of the open bite.
Because the front teeth do not meet, an open bite can make it harder to bite into food and may contribute to speech difficulties such as lisping. Correcting the bite can improve both function and clarity.
An untreated open bite may contribute to chewing difficulties, speech problems, uneven wear on the back teeth, and jaw strain over time. Early evaluation helps protect long-term oral health.
Treatment time depends on the cause, severity, and the recommended approach. Dr. Kendrick provides a personalized timeline after completing a full evaluation.
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