Bite blocks are small, temporary devices used in orthodontic and dental treatments to help correct how upper and lower teeth come together. These appliances play a role in guiding tooth movement and jaw alignment, contributing to a healthier bite. They are often used in conjunction with braces or other orthodontic tools to facilitate effective treatment and improve overall oral health.
Understanding Bite Blocks
Bite blocks, sometimes referred to as ramps or turbos, are small pads typically made from acrylic or composite resin materials. They are custom-made for each patient and can vary in color, including clear or tooth-colored options. Orthodontists place these devices on specific teeth, either on the chewing surfaces of the back molars or behind the front teeth, depending on the treatment goals.
These appliances function by creating a physical barrier that prevents the upper and lower teeth from fully touching when biting down. Bite blocks can be either fixed, meaning they are bonded directly to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient, or removable, offering more flexibility. Their design, which can be L-shaped, triangular, or mounded, is tailored to achieve precise separation and guide the bite.
Key Purposes of Bite Blocks
A primary purpose of bite blocks is to create necessary space between the upper and lower dental arches. By preventing certain teeth from contacting, they allow other teeth to move freely into their correct positions or to erupt properly during orthodontic treatment. This space is also important for preventing interference with orthodontic appliances, such as brackets on braces, which could otherwise be damaged by a misaligned bite.
Bite blocks also serve to guide jaw alignment and distribute biting forces more effectively across the teeth. They can help in directing the growth of the jaw, particularly in younger patients, towards a more harmonious relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Furthermore, these devices protect teeth from excessive wear or damage that can result from an improper bite or grinding habits. They facilitate the overall orthodontic process by enabling precise adjustments and allowing braces or aligners to work more efficiently.
Common Conditions Treated
Bite blocks are frequently used to address a deep bite, also known as an overbite, where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower ones. By preventing this deep overlap, they encourage the lower front teeth to move downward and the back teeth to erupt, thereby correcting the bite. This also protects the lower braces from being bitten off by the upper teeth.
For an open bite, where upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed, bite blocks can be placed on the back teeth to encourage the front teeth to meet. They can also play a role in correcting a crossbite, a condition where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. In such cases, bite blocks help to unlock the bite and guide the teeth into proper alignment.
Additionally, bite blocks may offer support for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues by aiding in muscle relaxation and maintaining a stable jaw position. They can also be employed as a tool for habit breaking, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, by making it uncomfortable or difficult to continue the habit, especially in children.