Bite blocks, also known as bite turbos or bite ramps, are small orthodontic appliances temporarily bonded to the biting surfaces of the back teeth or the tongue side of the front teeth. They are typically made of a durable composite resin, similar to dental filling material. The primary function of these additions is to prevent the upper and lower teeth from fully contacting each other. This prevention is necessary to protect the lower braces from being bitten off during the initial stages of treatment. By preventing full closure, bite blocks also help open a deep bite, allowing for necessary tooth movement and bite correction to occur more efficiently.
Preparing for Removal
The decision to remove bite blocks depends on the progress of the patient’s orthodontic treatment and the specific goals set by the orthodontist. These devices are removed only after they have corrected the bite relationship and achieved sufficient tooth alignment. The orthodontist assesses whether the teeth have moved into a position where the upper teeth no longer risk striking and damaging the lower brackets.
This assessment involves a clinical examination of the patient’s bite and a review of recent diagnostic records, such as X-rays or intraoral scans. Bite blocks are typically in place for several months, often between six and twelve months, depending on the complexity of the correction. Once the orthodontist confirms the misalignment is corrected, the non-surgical removal procedure is scheduled as part of a routine appointment.
The Mechanical Removal Procedure
The removal of fixed bite blocks begins with the orthodontist detaching the bulk of the composite material from the tooth surface. This is accomplished using specialized orthodontic instruments, such as debonding pliers or a high-speed dental handpiece fitted with a fine polishing bur. The goal is to fracture the adhesive bond between the resin and the enamel without causing damage to the tooth.
When using a bur, the orthodontist precisely grinds the composite material down until only a thin layer of adhesive remains. Patients report feeling a strong vibration and hearing a high-pitched sound, but they rarely experience sharp pain since the procedure does not involve drilling into the tooth structure. The pressure applied is controlled and directed toward the composite material.
After the main block is removed, the next step involves cleaning to eliminate all residual bonding material from the tooth enamel. The orthodontist switches to a slow-speed handpiece with a softer finishing bur to gently buff away the remaining dental glue. This step is important because any leftover composite can trap plaque, potentially leading to staining or decay. The tooth surface is then polished using a fine-grit paste, which restores the enamel’s natural smoothness.
Immediate Post-Removal Experience
Immediately after the bite blocks are removed and the teeth are polished, the patient will notice a change in how their upper and lower teeth meet. The bite may feel “different” or “open” because the jaw muscles adjusted to the artificial height created by the blocks for several months. This sensation is normal and temporary as the jaw naturally adjusts to the corrected bite position over the next few hours to days.
Temporary tooth sensitivity is expected, especially to temperature changes, in the areas where the blocks were bonded. This sensitivity occurs because the enamel surface, though undamaged, was covered for an extended period and is now newly exposed. Using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help mitigate this discomfort as the tooth acclimates.
Patients should initially favor softer foods while eating, as the jaw and surrounding muscles re-establish their natural chewing patterns. Speaking may also feel slightly awkward if the blocks were placed behind the front teeth, but this adjustment period is brief. The orthodontist monitors the stability of the corrected bite at subsequent appointments to ensure the teeth remain in alignment.