Orthodontic treatment involves a series of carefully planned adjustments to align teeth and jaws, leading to a healthier smile. During this process, patients often encounter various specialized components designed to facilitate specific tooth movements. These components, while sometimes unfamiliar, each play a particular role in achieving the desired orthodontic outcome. Understanding the purpose of these components can help patients feel more informed about their treatment journey.
Identifying the “Blue Bumps”
Many individuals undergoing orthodontic correction notice small, distinct blue additions on some of their teeth. These are commonly known as bite turbos, though they may also be referred to as occlusal rests or bite pads. These small, raised structures are made from a durable dental composite resin, similar to tooth-colored fillings. They are usually placed on the chewing surfaces of back molars or on the inside surfaces of the upper front teeth.
Bite turbos are a temporary but common feature in both traditional braces and clear aligner treatments. They appear as small, rounded bumps or platforms firmly bonded to the tooth surface. The distinct blue color helps orthodontists easily identify them during appointments. These components are designed to remain in place for a specific period during treatment, supporting particular phases of tooth movement.
How They Aid Your Orthodontic Treatment
Bite turbos primarily create “disocclusion,” preventing certain teeth from fully contacting when you bite down. By raising the bite, these small additions ensure that opposing teeth do not interfere with the movement of other teeth. This is particularly important when correcting issues like a deep bite, where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. The turbos create space, allowing the lower teeth to move forward and upward without obstruction.
Disocclusion also protects orthodontic appliances. For instance, if a patient has a deep bite, their upper front teeth might repeatedly hit and dislodge the lower brackets when they bite down. Bite turbos prevent this contact, safeguarding the brackets and ensuring that treatment progresses efficiently. Moreover, by preventing the full contact of certain teeth, bite turbos can help alleviate pressure on crowded teeth, enabling them to shift into their correct positions more freely. This controlled separation allows for precise and uninterrupted tooth movement, which is essential for effective orthodontic treatment.
Living With and Caring for Them
Adjusting to bite turbos can present an initial challenge, as they significantly alter how your teeth meet. Patients often experience some discomfort or difficulty chewing during the first few days to a week after placement. Eating soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies, is recommended initially to ease this transition. As your bite adapts and teeth begin to shift, chewing will gradually become more comfortable.
Maintaining good oral hygiene around bite turbos is important to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health. You should continue to brush your teeth thoroughly, paying special attention to cleaning around the turbos themselves. Flossing remains essential to clean between all teeth, including those with turbos. If a bite turbo becomes loose or breaks off, it is important to contact your orthodontist promptly, as its absence can hinder treatment progress. These blue bumps are a temporary part of your orthodontic journey and will be removed by your orthodontist once they have served their purpose, typically before the final stages of treatment.