Orthodontic bite blocks, sometimes called turbos or ramps, are small appliances temporarily bonded to the biting surfaces of certain teeth, often the back molars or the tongue side of the upper front teeth. These resin pads prevent the upper and lower teeth from fully touching when the jaw closes. Their primary function is to eliminate interference, allowing teeth to move into their corrected positions more freely. This makes them a necessary, albeit temporary, component of comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Managing the Initial Discomfort and Adjustment
The first few days after bite blocks are placed involve a significant period of adjustment as the mouth adapts. Patients commonly report soreness or tenderness in their teeth and jaw muscles from the altered bite. This discomfort is a normal response as the body learns to function with the new bite surfaces. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage this initial soreness.
The presence of the blocks can temporarily affect how the tongue moves during speech. Many individuals experience a temporary lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, especially those involving the front teeth. This speech change is not permanent and resolves within the first week as the tongue muscles adapt. Consistent practice speaking and reading aloud can help speed up this adaptation process.
Immediately following placement, a soft or liquid diet is necessary to minimize strain on the teeth and blocks. Foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups, and yogurt are gentle choices that require minimal chewing force. This modification is short-lived, lasting only until the initial tenderness subsides and the patient feels more comfortable. Once the adjustment phase is complete, the focus shifts toward actively using the blocks to encourage the wearing down process.
Practical Strategies for Encouraging Wear
The goal of bite blocks is for them to wear down naturally, allowing the teeth to eventually meet again in a corrected position. The most effective way to encourage this wearing is through consistent, purposeful chewing. Regular use exerts pressure that slowly abrades the dental cement or composite material. Chewing sugar-free gum or biting gently on soft, non-sticky items can help stimulate the necessary friction when not eating meals.
Patients should transition from the initial soft diet to progressively firmer foods as tolerated, which increases the grinding action against the blocks. Foods that require a moderate amount of chewing, such as cooked vegetables or soft bread crusts, are ideal for this phase. The friction created during mastication reduces the height of the blocks over time.
Focusing the chewing action on the teeth where the blocks are placed is a practical strategy for accelerating the process. If the blocks are on the back molars, make a conscious effort to chew food in that area to maximize contact between the opposing surfaces. While the goal is to wear the blocks down, certain foods must still be avoided to protect the overall orthodontic appliance. Extremely hard, sticky, or crunchy items—like hard candies, caramels, or popcorn—can risk loosening or dislodging the blocks or brackets.
Understanding the Wear Timeline and Next Steps
The time it takes for bite blocks to wear down varies significantly among patients, depending on the material used and individual chewing habits. The blocks are designed to last for several weeks to a few months while the underlying tooth movement occurs. The process is gradual, reflecting the controlled pace of the orthodontic treatment plan itself. They are temporary tools meant to facilitate specific tooth corrections.
A primary indication that the blocks are wearing down effectively is when the opposing teeth begin to make contact again. This renewed contact signifies that the teeth have moved into a new position and the initial interference has been resolved. The blocks may become smaller and flatter over time, eventually reaching a point where they no longer prevent the full closure of the jaw.
The orthodontist monitors the progress of the bite blocks during scheduled appointments. They will assess the amount of wear and determine if the blocks are still serving their intended purpose or if they need adjustment or removal. Sometimes, the orthodontist may need to lightly polish or reshape the blocks to control the rate of wear or improve comfort.
Patients should contact the orthodontic office if a bite block becomes loose or falls off completely, as this can disrupt the planned tooth movement. Similarly, if severe pain persists beyond the initial adjustment week or if any component of the appliance causes a persistent sore in the mouth, professional guidance is necessary. These steps ensure that the treatment remains on track and any unexpected issues are addressed promptly.