Bite ramps are small, yet effective, orthodontic appliances used to correct specific alignment issues in a patient’s bite. These devices are typically used in conjunction with full braces or clear aligner systems to guide the teeth and jaw into their correct positions. They are designed to temporarily alter the way the upper and lower teeth meet. This mechanical alteration is often a necessary step in comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Defining Bite Ramps and Their Purpose
A bite ramp, sometimes referred to as a bite turbo or bite block, is a small block made from dental composite resin or acrylic material. Its primary function is to create temporary separation, or disocclusion, between the upper and lower dental arches. By preventing the full closure of the mouth, the ramps eliminate the force of the bite on certain teeth, allowing them to move freely as planned.
The most common condition bite ramps treat is a deep bite, which is an excessive overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. Deep bites can cause the lower front teeth to bite into the gum tissue or lead to excessive enamel wear. The ramps lift the bite, relieving this pressure and allowing the back teeth to naturally shift into their proper vertical alignment. This shift also helps correct vertical issues and assists in managing crossbites and open bites.
Types of Bite Ramps and How They Are Placed
Bite ramps come in two main forms: fixed and integrated. Fixed ramps are small mounds of tooth-colored composite material bonded directly to the lingual surface (the side facing the tongue or palate) of the upper front teeth. They can also be placed on the chewing surfaces of the back molars, depending on the specific bite correction needed. The material is applied like a paste and then hardened rapidly with a curing light, a process that is quick and painless.
Integrated bite ramps are molded directly into the structure of clear aligners, such as those used in the Invisalign system. These are typically small, angled projections on the inside of the upper aligner tray, positioned to contact the lower front teeth when the patient closes their mouth. For molar correction, posterior bite ramps are built into the aligner on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Since these are part of the aligner, they are removed and replaced each time the patient changes to a new tray.
Adjusting to Life with Bite Ramps
The initial phase after placement involves a temporary adjustment period, typically lasting between one and two weeks. Since the teeth no longer meet in the accustomed way, patients often experience temporary changes in speech patterns, such as a slight lisp. This occurs as the tongue learns to navigate the new contours of the ramps, and the speech change usually resolves naturally as the mouth muscles adapt.
Eating requires a significant, but temporary, change in habits because the back teeth cannot make contact for chewing. Patients should begin with a diet of soft foods and cut all food into small, manageable pieces. Initial soreness in the teeth or jaw muscles from the new biting position can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important, requiring special attention to brushing around the bite ramps to prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Duration of Treatment and Removal
The length of time a patient wears bite ramps depends on the severity of the bite issue being corrected. For many patients, the ramps are needed for several months, often ranging from six to nine months, though complex cases may require a year or more. The orthodontist monitors the progress of tooth movement to determine the appropriate time for removal.
When corrective movement is achieved, the removal process for fixed ramps is straightforward. The orthodontist gently separates the composite material from the tooth surface. A final polishing of the tooth is performed to ensure all residual adhesive is removed, leaving the enamel surface undamaged.