The etiology of open bite

Open bite is a malocclusion in which there is no contact between upper and lower anterior or posterior teeth or between all the teeth at the same time. The complexity of this malocclusion is caused by a combination of skeletal, dentoalveolar and functional factors. The aim of this study was to review both Polish and international literature concerning the above mentioned factors. The etiology of open bite is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Usually permanent habits such as thumb and dummy sucking and nose obturation have an unfavourable influence on the development of the dentoalveolar complex and disturb physiological tooth eruption. Some important factors of skeletal open bite malocclusions are a genetic component, traumas, condylar degeneration and masticatory muscle malfunctions. Accurate diagnosis of the causes of open bite is a very important criterion in the correct planning and choice of treatment