← All explanationsOpen bite

Why do some opposing teeth not touch?

In an open bite, a gap remains between certain upper and lower teeth when biting together, while other teeth make contact. It may affect front or back teeth. Causes and possible effects on biting, chewing or speech are assessed individually.

For dental trainees & teams

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A gap despite biting together

The mouth does not have to be open: certain opposing teeth can remain apart even with the jaws closed. The gap may be at the front or sides.

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Look beyond the teeth

Tooth position, jaw development and certain habits may contribute. The visible gap alone does not reliably show why the open bite developed.

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Function and change over time matter

Examination assesses contacts, function and cause. Treatment and stabilisation follow those findings; a sudden new change in the bite should be assessed promptly.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What is missing?

Contact between certain upper and lower teeth during biting.

What might be affected?

Biting, chewing or speech, depending on location and extent.

What is the approach?

Assess cause and function, then plan treatment and stability.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): Why do some opposing teeth not touch?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Open bite or overjet?

Open bite describes missing vertical contact. Overjet is the horizontal distance between the front teeth. Both features may be present together.

Quick answers

Can an open bite occur only at the front?

No. A lack of contact can also affect the back teeth.

Is the tongue always responsible?

No. Causes vary; tongue position may be a cause, contributing factor or adaptation. A single explanation is not reliable.

Is closing the visible gap enough?

Planning also addresses the underlying factors and long-term stability. Appearance alone is too narrow a focus.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which contacts are missing, what might be causing this, and how could function be improved?

Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.

Missing tooth contacts and a new change in your bite can be examined specifically.

Have bite relationships assessedChoose an appointment on Doctolib

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Vertical: Relating to height, or the up-and-down direction.
Anterior open bite: No contact in the front-tooth region while other teeth contact.
Posterior open bite: No contact in the back-tooth region while other teeth contact.

Know the difference

Open bite is assessed with the teeth biting together. An open-mouth posture alone does not establish it.

Knowledge questionWhich observation describes an open bite?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth particularly deeply.
Certain opposing teeth remain apart while others bite together.
A gap exists between two upper incisors.

Show answer and explanation

Certain opposing teeth remain apart while others bite together.

The finding concerns missing contact between opposing teeth, not a gap within one dental arch.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.