Open Bite Treatment in Bountiful, Utah — Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Welling, DDS, MS, Orthodontist at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics

You close your mouth, but your front teeth still don’t touch.

Maybe your dentist brought it you needing open bite treatment in Bountiful? Maybe you’ve noticed it yourself for years — the gap, the trouble biting into things, the way you compensate without even thinking about it. And if surgery has come up as a possibility, you’re probably wondering whether that’s really where this is headed.

At Bailey-Welling Orthodontics, we treat open bites for kids, teens, and adults at our Bountiful and Farmington offices. We’ve been doing this since 1971, and the most important thing we can tell you upfront is this: in a lot of cases, surgery is one option — not the only one.

We’ve corrected open bites with Invisalign and elastics when surgery was on the table. More than once. Two of those cases are on this page.

What Is an Open Bite?

An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth don’t make contact when the jaw is fully closed, leaving a visible gap. Most commonly seen between the front teeth, an open bite can affect how you chew, speak, and how your teeth wear over time. Open bites are caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, skeletal growth patterns, or a combination of both — and are treatable with braces, clear aligners, or in severe skeletal cases, surgery.

That gap might seem minor from the outside, but it affects everything from biting into an apple to pronouncing certain sounds clearly. The good news: most open bites don’t require surgery to fix.

Anterior Open Bite vs. Posterior Open Bite

Anterior open bite is the more common type. Your back teeth meet fine, but there’s a gap between your front teeth. This is the one that tends to affect speech, makes biting into hard foods frustrating, and is usually what people notice in photos.

Posterior open bite is less common. Your front teeth touch, but the back teeth don’t meet. Because your back teeth normally do most of the chewing work, this type puts excessive wear on the front teeth left to compensate — and can lead to jaw issues over time.

Both are treatable. Which approach makes sense depends on what’s causing it and how far along the bite discrepancy is.

What Causes an Open Bite?

The cause matters because it shapes the treatment. Dr. Welling and Dr. Rett evaluate this carefully before recommending anything.

In children and teens, the most common causes are habits. Thumb sucking past age 3 or 4 puts consistent outward pressure on the front teeth. Same with prolonged pacifier use. These are called dental open bites — the bone structure is fine, but the tooth positions have shifted. They’re often the most straightforward to correct, especially in younger patients whose jaws are still growing.

Tongue thrusting is another major factor. It’s a swallowing pattern where the tongue presses forward into or between the front teeth rather than resting on the roof of the mouth. A lot of people don’t realize they do it. If tongue thrusting isn’t addressed as part of treatment, the bite can come back after it’s corrected.

In older teens and adults, open bites more often have a skeletal component. The jaws may have grown in a way that doesn’t allow the teeth to meet — excessive vertical growth, genetics, long facial structure. These cases are more involved, but they’re still often treatable without surgery.

The most complex cases involve both: a skeletal growth pattern combined with a habit like tongue thrusting that’s been reinforcing the bite problem for years. That’s exactly the situation with one of the cases we share below — and we still corrected it without surgery using Invisalign and elastics.

What Happens If You Leave It Alone?

This comes up a lot, especially with adults who’ve been living with an open bite for years and have learned to work around it. Here’s the honest answer: it tends to get worse over time, not better.

Your back teeth take more wear. When the front teeth aren’t doing their share of the biting work, the back teeth absorb more force than they’re designed for. Over the years, that shows up as chipping, cracking, or sensitivity.

Chewing becomes less efficient. Most people with open bites compensate — tilting their head slightly, using their tongue to mash food, avoiding certain textures entirely. You adapt without noticing, but the compensation accumulates.

Speech can be affected. Sounds like “s,” “z,” and “th” rely on your tongue interacting with your front teeth in a specific way. A gap between those teeth changes that interaction. Some people develop a subtle lisp or find certain words harder to say clearly.

The gap can keep opening. If tongue thrusting or other habits are still happening, they continue applying pressure to the teeth. The bone gradually remodels around the new positions.

Treatment later gets more complex. An open bite that’s mild at 22 may be significantly more involved at 38. Starting earlier almost always means a simpler path.

None of that is meant as scare tactics. Plenty of adults come to us after putting this off for years and still get excellent results. But if you’ve been thinking about it, there’s a real cost to waiting.

Not ready to come in just yet? You can start with a virtual exam from home and get a sense of where things stand before you ever set foot in the office.

How Open Bites Are Treated at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for an open bite. The right path depends on whether the issue is dental, skeletal, or both — and on your age, the severity of the bite, and what’s actually causing it.

Here’s a quick overview before we go deeper on each option:

Braces

For more complex open bites — particularly those with a skeletal component or significant tooth movement needed in multiple directions — braces give your orthodontist precise control that’s harder to achieve with aligners alone.

Our P21 self-ligating brackets use a slide mechanism instead of elastic ties, which reduces friction and allows teeth to move more freely. Less friction means more comfortable treatment and often fewer appointments for adjustments. For open bite cases, braces are frequently used alongside elastics (rubber bands) that create vertical force to help pull the upper and lower arches together.

Clear ceramic brackets are available for patients who want a less noticeable option with the same mechanical advantages. Learn more about braces options at our Bountiful and Farmington offices.

Invisalign

A lot of people assume clear aligners can’t handle an open bite. That’s outdated thinking.

Invisalign creates what’s called a “bite block effect” — the thickness of the aligner material across the back teeth naturally helps intrude the molars when you bite down, allowing the jaw to rotate into better alignment. For dental open bites and many moderate cases, this is genuinely effective.

We’ve seen this work firsthand more than once. Here are two real cases from our Bountiful office:

Case 1: A young man came in with an open bite that involved both a skeletal growth component and tongue thrusting — the kind of case where surgery was a real conversation. He wanted to try Invisalign first. Our doctors used clear aligners and elastics, and the results speak for themselves.

No surgery. No extractions. A fully functional bite and a smile he’s proud of.

Case 2: A woman came to us wanting to correct her open bite with Invisalign — but wasn’t sure it could work for her case. Our doctors were glad to tell her it was a great option. Using Invisalign, elastics, and Invisalign retainers, they closed her bite completely. She has the smile she’d been hoping for, and she loves showing it off.

That said, Invisalign isn’t the right answer for every open bite. Severe skeletal cases may still need braces or a combined approach. Dr. Welling and Dr. Rett will give you a straight answer during your free consultation about whether aligners make sense for your bite specifically. Learn more about Invisalign at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics.

Want to see more results like these? Browse our before and after gallery.

Early Intervention for Kids

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. For open bites, that recommendation matters more than usual.

Habit-related open bites — thumb sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrusting — are most effectively addressed while the jaw is still growing. Breaking a tongue-thrusting pattern at age 8 gives the bone time to remodel naturally as adult teeth come in. Wait until the jaw is fully developed and that window is gone.

Our 7 & Up Kids Club monitors your child’s development at regular intervals at no cost. Sometimes the right move is waiting and watching. Sometimes there’s an appliance that can guide growth before a full case is needed. Either way, you’ll know you’re not missing the window.

If your child’s dentist has flagged an open bite, or you’ve noticed their front teeth don’t touch when they close their mouth, a free consultation is the simplest way to find out where things stand. Learn more about orthodontics for kids at our Bountiful and Farmington offices.

Surgical Orthodontics

For severe skeletal open bites — where the jaw structure itself is the root cause and orthodontic movement alone can’t bridge the gap — surgical orthodontics may be the most stable long-term path.

This typically involves repositioning the upper or lower jaw surgically and securing it with plates and screws. It sounds significant because it is. But for cases where the alternative is a correction that won’t hold, surgery delivers results that last.

What we will never do is recommend surgery when a less invasive option can do the job well. Our doctors evaluate every open bite case for non-surgical paths first. If surgery is what’s truly needed, we’ll tell you that honestly and walk you through exactly what’s involved. Learn more about surgical orthodontics.

The Tongue Thrusting Factor — Why It Matters for Long-Term Results

This is one of the most overlooked parts of open bite treatment, and it’s worth spending real time on.

Tongue thrusting is a swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth rather than pressing up against the roof of the mouth. You might swallow 500 to 1,000 times a day. Each time the tongue thrusts forward, it applies gentle but persistent pressure against the teeth — enough, over years, to create or maintain an open bite.

The reason this matters for treatment: if tongue thrusting isn’t addressed alongside orthodontic correction, the bite can reopen after treatment ends. The teeth move back because the force that created the problem is still there.

Dr. Welling and Dr. Rett evaluate tongue posture and swallowing patterns as part of every open bite assessment. Depending on what they find, the plan might include:

Awareness and habit retraining — For older teens and adults, understanding the habit is often the first step toward correcting it.

Myofunctional therapy referral — Think of it as physical therapy for the muscles of the mouth and tongue. A trained therapist teaches proper tongue posture and swallowing mechanics. It’s not painful, and for patients with persistent tongue thrusting, it’s often essential for keeping results long-term.

Habit appliances — For younger patients, a small appliance can physically discourage the tongue from thrusting forward while treatment is underway. Not painful — just a gentle physical reminder.

Getting the bite closed is one part of the work. Making sure it stays closed is the other.

What Does Open Bite Treatment Cost in Bountiful?

Orthodontic treatment at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics typically ranges from $4,500 to $7,000 depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment approach. Straightforward dental open bites treated with Invisalign may be on the lower end. More complex cases requiring braces, extended treatment time, or combined approaches will be toward the upper end.

You won’t have to guess. Your free consultation includes a complete cost breakdown before any treatment starts — insurance benefits applied, payment plan options laid out, total cost with no surprises.

We accept most major insurance plans, offer flexible monthly payment plans with no interest, and have reduced down payment options for families who need them. A pay-in-full discount is available, and our online payment portal makes managing your account easy. Learn more about financing options at Bailey-Welling Orthodontics.

Why Davis County Families Choose Bailey-Welling for Open Bite Treatment

Open bites are one of the more technically demanding bite corrections in orthodontics. The margin between a result that holds and one that gradually reopens often comes down to the experience and approach of the orthodontist managing the case.

Over 50 years treating Davis County families. Bailey-Welling Orthodontics has been in Bountiful since 1971. That’s not a talking point — it’s a track record. Davis County families have trusted us across generations, and that kind of longevity says something real about the care people receive here.

Two experienced orthodontists who know this community. Dr. Andrew Welling was born and raised right here in Bountiful. He completed his orthodontic residency and Master’s degree at the University of Iowa and came back to serve the community he grew up in. Dr. Rett completed his orthodontic residency at Loma Linda University and is passionate about the long-term impact a corrected bite and confident smile can have on someone’s life. Together they bring deep experience with complex bite cases across both our Bountiful and Farmington locations.

Advanced technology for precise treatment planning. Our iTero digital impression system creates fast, precise 3D digital images of your teeth and bite — no goopy impressions, and a level of accuracy that significantly improves treatment planning. Combined with our P21 self-ligating brackets, treatment is more comfortable and often faster than traditional approaches.

530+ combined five-star Google reviews. Real Davis County patients from Bountiful, Farmington, Centerville, Kaysville, and across the county consistently say the same things: the staff is friendly and welcoming, the doctors explain everything clearly, and the office doesn’t feel rushed. Here’s what a few of them have said:

Two convenient Davis County locations. Our Bountiful office on Pages Lane is easy to reach from North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, and West Bountiful. Our Farmington office on State Street is convenient to Centerville, Kaysville, and Fruit Heights. Most Davis County families can reach one of our offices in under 15 minutes.

A warm, welcoming environment — for everyone. Whether you’re bringing in an 8-year-old for their first evaluation or coming in yourself as an adult who’s been putting this off for years, the experience here is the same: staff that knows your name, doctors who explain things clearly, and an office that doesn’t feel rushed. Have questions before you come in? You can text us directly — we’re accessible and easy to reach.

What to Expect at Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been wondering whether your bite needs attention — or you already know it does and you’re ready to do something about it — here’s exactly what happens when you come in:

You’ll be greeted by our front desk team and introduced to how we work. We’re a practice where people aren’t just a name on a chart.

We’ll take X-rays and photos to give our doctors a complete picture of your teeth, jaw, and bite. This imaging is what allows us to determine whether your open bite is dental, skeletal, or a combination — and to plan treatment based on what’s actually happening, not just what it looks like on the surface.

Dr. Welling or Dr. Rett will personally examine your teeth and bite and explain their findings in plain language. The orthodontist who would be managing your case — not a treatment coordinator.

You’ll get a clear treatment recommendation — what approach makes sense, how long it should take, and what alternatives exist for your situation.

You’ll leave with a complete financial breakdown — insurance benefits applied, payment options explained, total cost with no surprises.

There’s no obligation and no pressure. Prefer to start from home? Our virtual exam option lets you share photos of your bite and get initial feedback before your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Bite Treatment

Can an open bite be fixed without surgery?

Yes — and in many cases, it can. Dental open bites caused by habits or tooth positioning often respond well to braces or Invisalign. Surgical orthodontics is typically reserved for severe skeletal cases where jaw repositioning is the only way to achieve a stable result. Dr. Welling and Dr. Cortez always explore non-surgical options first. We’ve corrected combined skeletal and tongue-thrusting open bites with Invisalign and elastics — no surgery required.

Can Invisalign fix an open bite?

For mild to moderate open bites, yes. Clear aligners create a natural “bite block effect” when worn — the aligner material across the back teeth helps intrude the molars, allowing the jaw to rotate into better alignment. Not every open bite is a candidate for aligners alone, and more complex skeletal cases may need braces or a combined approach. Your free consultation will tell you which path makes sense for your specific bite.

How long does open bite treatment take?

Most open bite cases take between 12 and 24 months. Straightforward dental cases may be on the shorter end. Cases involving a significant skeletal component, or those requiring surgical orthodontics, typically take 18 to 30 months total. The free consultation will give you a specific timeline estimate based on your actual bite.

Will the open bite come back after treatment?

It can — and the biggest risk factor is unaddressed tongue thrusting. If the habit that contributed to the bite problem isn’t corrected during treatment, the teeth can gradually shift back. Dr. Welling and Dr. Cortez evaluate tongue posture as part of every open bite case and address it as needed. Consistent retainer wear after treatment is also essential for keeping results stable. Learn more about our retainer program.

When should my child be evaluated for an open bite?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. For open bites specifically, early evaluation matters because habit correction is most effective while the jaw is still developing. That doesn’t mean treatment starts at 7 — it means we can determine the right timing. Our 7 & Up Kids Club monitors your child’s development at no cost and starts treatment at exactly the right moment. Read more about early orthodontic treatment.

Is open bite treatment painful?

Treatment isn’t painful, though you may notice some soreness in the first few days after getting braces placed or switching to a new set of aligners. Most patients describe it as mild pressure that fades within a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain relief handles it easily.

I’m an adult — is it too late to fix my open bite?

Not at all. A significant portion of our patients are adults, many coming in for bite corrections they’ve been putting off for years. Modern tools — Invisalign, P21 self-ligating brackets, iTero digital planning — make adult treatment very manageable. The sooner you address it, the less involved the correction tends to be, but there’s no age cutoff. Learn more about adult orthodontics in Bountiful and Farmington.

What’s the difference between a dental open bite and a skeletal open bite?

A dental open bite is caused by tooth position — often from prolonged habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. The jaw structure is normal; the teeth just aren’t in the right place. These respond well to braces or Invisalign. A skeletal open bite involves the jaw itself — typically excessive vertical growth that prevents the teeth from meeting.

These cases are more complex and may require surgical correction alongside orthodontic treatment. During your consultation, our doctors will determine which type you have and plan accordingly.

Schedule Your Free Open Bite Consultation

Ready to get straight answers about your bite? Visit Bailey-Welling Orthodontics at one of our two Davis County locations:

Bailey-Welling Orthodontics – Bountiful
59 W Pages Ln #100, Bountiful, UT 84010
(801) 292-1222
Serving Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, and West Bountiful

Bailey-Welling Orthodontics – Farmington
122 E State St, Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-6664
Serving Farmington, Centerville, Kaysville, and Fruit Heights