Receiving braces bumpers, often called bite blocks or bite turbos, transforms the simple act of chewing into a frustrating challenge. The familiar way you bring your teeth together is altered, making it feel impossible to eat effectively. This initial difficulty is a normal part of the process. The difficulty with eating is temporary, and learning new, precise chewing habits will allow you to adapt quickly to the orthodontic appliances.
Initial Chewing Techniques and Bite Block Purpose
The function of the bite block is to prevent the upper and lower teeth from meeting fully, protecting the lower brackets from being dislodged by a deep overbite. These small acrylic or composite ramps, placed on the back or front teeth, separate the jaws to allow for correct tooth movement and bite correction. This separation means your teeth no longer contact one another in the familiar chewing pattern. To manage this mechanical change, chew with deliberate slowness, allowing your jaw muscles to adjust to the restricted movement. Take very small bites of food, aiming for pieces no larger than a pea, to minimize the required force. If bite blocks are on the front teeth, concentrate on using the molars in the back of your mouth, as these are meant for grinding and have the most contact area.
Navigating Food Choices and Preparation
The mechanical restriction caused by the bumpers requires a temporary dietary modification to ensure comfort and prevent damage to the orthodontic hardware. Immediately after placement, focus exclusively on soft, non-chewy foods that require minimal effort to break down. These foods provide necessary nutrition without placing stress on the appliances or sensitive teeth.
Excellent choices include:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Well-cooked soft pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Pureed soups
You must strictly avoid foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy, or require any tearing motion, as these items can easily loosen or break the bite blocks. Even foods normally considered soft should be prepared carefully. Cut all meats, like chicken or soft steak, into very small, manageable pieces, and cook vegetables until they are extremely soft to ensure they can be mashed easily by your molars.
Specifically, eliminate:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Sticky candies like caramel and taffy
- Hard pretzels
- Crunchy raw vegetables like carrots and celery
Managing Soreness and Adjustment Timeline
The first few days after placement will involve soreness as your teeth and jaw joints react to the new configuration. This discomfort is due to the pressure needed to initiate tooth movement and the strain on the jaw muscles adapting to the altered bite. The most intense soreness peaks within the first three to five days following the procedure.
To manage discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and pain. For irritation to the inner cheeks or tongue, apply orthodontic wax directly over any rough edges. Rinsing your mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution helps soothe general mouth soreness and promotes the healing of minor irritations.
While the first week presents the steepest learning curve, most patients find that chewing becomes significantly easier and more comfortable within one to two weeks, as the teeth begin to shift and the jaw adapts to the new bite.