Bite ramps are a common source of confusion for orthodontic patients. These small additions to braces or clear aligners are crucial for the success of your treatment plan. This article clarifies the purpose of bite ramps and explains the correct mechanical interaction.
What Exactly Are Bite Ramps?
Bite ramps, also known as bite turbos or bite blocks, are small, raised features used during orthodontic treatment. They manage how the upper and lower teeth meet by creating temporary separation between the dental arches. This separation is necessary for specific tooth movements to occur safely.
Ramps are typically made of tooth-colored composite resin bonded to the back surface of the upper front teeth, or they can be molded into a clear aligner tray. When placed behind the front teeth, they act as small, angled platforms that the lower teeth contact when the mouth closes. Posterior ramps may also be placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Placement is customized based on which teeth need to move without interference from the opposing arch.
The Mechanics of Biting: Yes or No?
Patients should not bite down aggressively or intentionally chew on the bite ramps. However, the lower teeth must make contact with them for the devices to function correctly. The ramps are designed to receive the involuntary contact that occurs naturally during speaking, swallowing, and light chewing. This contact is therapeutic because it prevents the full closure of the jaw, relieving pressure on the posterior teeth and allowing necessary tooth movement.
The correct action is to allow your lower teeth to rest lightly on the ramps when your mouth is closed, not forcing a strong bite. Applying excessive, voluntary pressure can damage the ramps or cause discomfort. The ramps are built to withstand the normal forces of involuntary closure, and this light, constant interaction achieves the desired correction.
Why Bite Ramps Are Necessary for Treatment
The primary necessity for bite ramps is correcting a deep bite, which occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. In a deep bite, the lower teeth can collide with the brackets on the upper teeth, potentially damaging the hardware or preventing tooth movement. By creating a point of contact on the ramps, the lower teeth are prevented from reaching their usual position, effectively propping the bite open.
This separation, known as disocclusion, redirects the forces of the bite. With the back teeth temporarily held apart, specific teeth, such as the molars, are allowed to gradually erupt or shift into their correct vertical alignment without interference. This targeted movement helps level the bite plane and correct the deep bite over time.
Adjusting to Bite Ramps and Troubleshooting
When bite ramps are first installed, patients should expect an adjustment period lasting a few days to a couple of weeks.
Adjustment Symptoms
You may experience temporary difficulty with eating, as only the ramps are meeting, and some patients develop a temporary lisp due to the change in tongue placement. Initial soreness or discomfort in the teeth or jaw muscles is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and fades as the mouth adapts.
Troubleshooting
Bite ramps are typically worn for several weeks or months until sufficient movement has occurred. If a ramp breaks, falls off, or causes sharp, persistent pain, contact your orthodontist immediately. A missing ramp can interrupt the planned tooth movement, so maintaining the integrity of the ramps is necessary to guide the teeth toward their corrected position.