Open Bite Treatment on Maui

An open bite is one of the more complex bites to correct, and it is exactly the kind of case a specialist is built for. At Maui Braces, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Alex Verga treats open bites at our Kahului, Makawao, and Lahaina offices. Call or text (808) 874-9229 for a free consultation.

FREE CONSULTATION CALL (808) 874-9229

What Is an Open Bite?

An open bite is when the front teeth do not meet, there is a visible gap between the upper and lower front teeth, even when the back teeth are closed. It can make biting into food awkward and can affect speech. Open bites can be linked to long-term thumb or finger habits, tongue position, or the way the jaws grew.

Why Treat an Open Bite?

An open bite makes it hard to bite cleanly into food and can put extra load on the back teeth, wearing them down. It can also affect speech and confidence. Because the causes can be layered, an open bite benefits from careful diagnosis and a plan that addresses the underlying reason, not just the gap.

How We Treat Open Bites on Maui

A stable open-bite result means addressing the cause, not just the gap, so we screen for the common culprits: a lingering thumb or finger habit, tongue posture or a tongue thrust, and airway factors. If a habit has narrowed the upper jaw, expansion can help restore the right width as part of treatment. Clear aligners (Invisalign or Spark) are often an excellent option for open bites, because they give precise control to help close the bite, and braces are also used, especially for more complex cases. Dr. Alex builds the plan around what is driving yours.

Clear aligners on Maui Braces on Maui Airway orthodontics Palatal expanders Jaw surgery coordination

Patient Story

A teen came to our Kahului office with an open bite affecting the front teeth. Dr. Verga used braces to close the bite and addressed the contributing habit, finishing with front teeth that met properly and a stable result held by retainers.

Why Maui Braces

Open bites reward specialist expertise, and Dr. Alex Verga is a board-certified orthodontist whose practice is limited to orthodontics. We bring careful diagnosis, a family-friendly approach, and strong Maui community roots.

See the teams and organizations we support

Open Bite: FAQs

What causes an open bite?

Common causes include long-term thumb or finger habits, tongue posture, and the way the jaws grew. Identifying the cause is key to a stable result.

Can Invisalign fix an open bite?

Often yes. Clear aligners are frequently a great option for open bites, since they give precise control to help close the bite. Some complex cases are better with braces. Dr. Alex tells you honestly which fits your case.

Is surgery needed for an open bite?

Usually no. Most open bites are corrected with orthodontics. Severe skeletal open bites in adults may need surgery for the best, most stable result.

Is an open bite related to mouth breathing or thumb sucking?

It can be. Habits and tongue or breathing patterns can contribute, which is why we look at the whole picture rather than just the teeth.

What Patients Say About Maui Braces

★★★★★ 5.0 — 450+ Google Reviews

“Such an amazing Doctor and all of his staff! My daughter loved the kindness and comfort she experienced during her treatment. Highly recommended!” — Christly Garcia

“My son received orthodontic treatment from the Maui Braces team over the course of about 2.5 years, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. From day one to the final visit, the staff made us feel welcome and went above and beyond to be helpful and caring.” — Debra Lynn Ho