Bite blocks (turbos or ramps) are small additions made from composite resin or acrylic material. They are bonded to the biting surfaces of back teeth or the tongue side of upper front teeth as part of orthodontic treatment. Their temporary placement serves a specific purpose in aligning the teeth and correcting the bite. This article explains why these structures are used and details the steps an orthodontist takes to safely remove them.
Why Bite Blocks Are Used
The primary function of bite blocks is to create a physical barrier, preventing the patient’s upper and lower teeth from meeting fully. This separation is necessary when brackets are first bonded to the lower teeth. If a patient has a deep overbite, the upper teeth might shear off the newly placed lower brackets when they bite down. The bite block lifts the bite, eliminating this destructive contact and allowing the alignment process to begin.
Beyond protection, these small additions are instrumental in correcting certain malocclusions, particularly deep bites where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower ones. By forcing the back teeth out of contact, the bite blocks encourage the passive eruption of the posterior teeth. This selective tooth movement helps to open the bite vertically over time.
The Removal Procedure
The removal of bite blocks is a routine procedure performed once their mechanical purpose has been achieved. The process focuses on breaking the adhesive bond between the composite material and the enamel without causing damage to the underlying tooth structure. The orthodontist usually begins by isolating the area and preparing the necessary instruments.
One common method involves using specialized high-speed or slow-speed dental handpieces fitted with carbide finishing burs. These burs are designed to shave away the hard composite material in a controlled manner. The operator applies light pressure, essentially grinding down the bulk of the material until only a thin layer remains. This careful reduction minimizes the risk of inadvertently touching the enamel.
In some cases, especially for larger ramps, the orthodontist may use specialized orthodontic pliers to gently chip away the brittle composite resin. This technique involves applying a controlled force to exploit the material’s inherent brittleness, causing it to fracture away from the tooth surface. Patients often hear a distinct crunching or popping sound during this process, which can be louder than expected, though it is generally painless.
Once the majority of the material is removed, the final step is polishing. The dental professional uses fine-grit polishing disks, rubber cups, or specialized abrasive points to eliminate any residual composite film. This step ensures the tooth surface is completely smooth and restores the original enamel texture, preventing any rough spots that could attract plaque or feel unnatural to the tongue.
What to Expect Immediately After Removal
The most immediate sensation after removal is the sudden realization of a full, uninhibited bite. The patient’s upper and lower teeth will now meet completely, which can feel strange or “off.” This is a normal sensory shift, as the jaw muscles and proprioceptors—the nerves that sense jaw position—have grown accustomed to the artificially separated bite.
It is common for the patient to feel as though their teeth do not align correctly, or that the bite feels uneven, even if the orthodontics have moved the teeth into their correct positions. This is primarily a muscular memory issue, and the jaw and associated muscles require an adjustment period to adapt to the new occlusion. This adaptation phase typically lasts only a few days as the muscles quickly relearn the correct resting and chewing positions.
Some patients may experience a temporary, mild increase in tooth sensitivity, particularly to temperature changes, immediately following the removal and polishing steps. This is usually transient and related to the minor surface manipulation during the final cleaning phase. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, or if any rough edges remain, the patient should contact their orthodontist for a follow-up check.
It is important to run the tongue across the areas where the blocks were located to ensure the surface is perfectly smooth. Any lingering roughness indicates residual composite that needs to be polished away, as these microscopic remnants can harbor plaque. The newly accessible tooth surfaces also require renewed attention to hygiene, ensuring thorough brushing and flossing is performed now that the physical obstruction is gone.