Bite turbos are small, temporary attachments placed on certain teeth during orthodontic treatment. These devices are most often made from a durable, tooth-colored composite resin, though metal may be used in specific cases. Orthodontists bond the turbos to either the biting surfaces of the back molars or directly behind the upper front teeth. Their purpose is to alter the way the upper and lower teeth come together, which is why they are considered a temporary but highly functional component of the overall treatment plan.
The Core Purpose of Bite Turbos
A bite turbo creates an intentional, temporary separation between the upper and lower teeth. This separation is necessary because many patients start with a deep overbite, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. When braces are first placed on the lower teeth, the deep bite can cause the upper teeth to forcefully strike the lower brackets, often shearing them off the tooth surface.
By creating a small gap, the turbos prevent this destructive contact, allowing the orthodontist to safely place all necessary appliances. This immediate separation, known as disocclusion, unlocks the bite, enabling the teeth to move more freely and efficiently into their correct alignment. The pressure exerted on the turbos also encourages the jaw and teeth to shift toward a healthier, less overlapped position.
Material Composition and Expected Wear
Bite turbos are specifically designed to wear down as they serve their function within the mouth. The most common material is a composite resin, similar to that used for tooth-colored fillings, but with properties selected for controlled degradation. This material choice is intentional, balancing the need for sufficient strength to withstand chewing forces with the requirement for gradual, predictable wear over a period of months.
Scientific comparisons of these materials show that they wear more rapidly than natural tooth enamel. Some common bite turbo materials can show a wear rate many times greater than enamel under simulated chewing forces. This engineered wear is a sign of treatment success, as the constant contact and friction from chewing slowly reduces the height of the turbo as the bite position improves.
In some instances, particularly for patients with extremely heavy biting forces or certain alignment needs, metal turbos made of stainless steel may be used. These metal attachments are significantly more durable and offer greater resistance to wear than the composite resin types. While the resin turbos gradually diminish in volume, the metal versions tend to only slightly polish over time rather than significantly degrade. The typical lifespan for a bite turbo is often between six to nine months, depending on the individual patient’s bite force and the speed of their bite correction.
Removal and Next Steps in Orthodontic Treatment
When the orthodontist determines that the overbite has been sufficiently corrected, the bite turbos have fulfilled their purpose and are ready for removal. Removal of the turbos is a quick and non-painful procedure performed by the orthodontist.
The process involves using a slow-speed dental bur or a specialized instrument to carefully grind away the remaining composite material from the tooth surface. The orthodontist polishes the area to ensure all adhesive residue is removed and the enamel is smooth. After removal, patients may notice a temporary change in how their teeth meet, but this sensation quickly fades as the mouth adjusts to the corrected bite.
In some cases, if a turbo wears down too quickly or breaks off before the bite correction is complete, the orthodontist will simply replace it with a new one. The removal of the turbos signifies the transition to the next phase, where the newly leveled bite allows the full engagement of all orthodontic wires and brackets. This stage begins the final detailing of the tooth positions toward achieving the final, stable alignment.