Bite blocks (also called bite turbos or ramps) are small orthodontic appliances temporarily bonded to the surfaces of certain teeth during alignment treatment. These devices create a physical barrier, preventing the upper and lower teeth from fully closing and coming into contact. They manage the bite relationship, allowing necessary tooth movement that might otherwise be impeded. The question of whether these appliances dissolve or simply wear down relates directly to the durable materials chosen and the mechanical forces they endure.
Defining the Role of Bite Blocks in Orthodontics
Bite blocks serve a distinct biomechanical purpose by “unlocking” the bite, which is necessary when a deep overbite or crossbite is present. When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively, this deep bite prevents the lower teeth from moving into their correct positions. By creating separation between the arches, the blocks provide the necessary space for the lower teeth to shift and align properly.
The devices are commonly placed on the chewing surfaces of the back molars or the tongue-side surface of the upper front teeth. This separation protects the metal or ceramic brackets on the opposing teeth from damage when the patient bites down. Without this protection, the force of biting could shear off brackets, disrupting the planned movement and lengthening the total treatment time.
The Materials Used and Resistance to Dissolution
Bite blocks are constructed from robust, biocompatible dental materials, most commonly a type of dental composite resin or acrylic. These durable materials are the same ones utilized for tooth-colored fillings and other long-term dental restorations. They are specifically chosen because they are engineered to be chemically inert and stable within the harsh environment of the mouth.
Unlike dissolvable sutures, these materials do not break down through chemical processes caused by saliva, acids, or temperature fluctuations. They are highly resistant to chemical dissolution, meaning they will not simply disappear over time. This chemical stability ensures the appliance maintains its structural integrity and therapeutic height for the required duration of the orthodontic phase.
How Bite Blocks Wear Down and Are Professionally Removed
While the material resists chemical dissolution, it is subject to physical wear known as attrition, caused by the constant force of chewing. As the blocks are worn, the opposing teeth repeatedly strike the surface, gradually wearing down the material. This physical process can make the blocks appear smaller over time, which is an expected outcome of their function.
Once the teeth have moved sufficiently and the bite has been corrected, the blocks have fulfilled their function and must be removed by the orthodontist. This removal is a mechanical process. The specialist uses a slow-speed dental handpiece fitted with a specialized burr or disc to gently grind away the composite or acrylic material. This process requires careful attention to remove the block and its adhesive bond without damaging the underlying tooth enamel, followed by a final polishing.
What To Do If a Bite Block Comes Off
If a bite block breaks, chips, or detaches prematurely, the patient must contact the orthodontic office for guidance. The primary concern is whether the loss of the block now allows the opposing teeth to strike and damage the brackets. If the teeth are hitting brackets, an immediate appointment is required to prevent appliance breakage and potential injury.
If a block comes off, but the patient can close their mouth without hitting any brackets or wires, it may not be an emergency. However, the missing block can lead to an uneven bite that may stress the jaw joint or slow treatment progress. Patients should follow the orthodontist’s instruction to determine if the block needs immediate replacement or if it can wait until the next scheduled adjustment.