Open bite is an oral condition that occurs when certain teeth, usually your front teeth, do not make contact with each other so there is always space between the teeth. Genetics can create a situation where the upper and lower jaws are unaligned. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are habits that can have an effect on the development of open bite.

Many individuals with moderate to extreme open bite require surgery to correct their jaw. In addition, they need braces before and after the surgery to achieve proper alignment.