Bite blocks, sometimes called turbos, are small, raised surfaces made of acrylic or metal resin. Orthodontists place them on the chewing surfaces of back teeth or the tongue-side of front teeth. These intentional obstructions are a common part of orthodontic treatment, designed to prevent the opposing teeth from fully closing. If a block unexpectedly comes loose, it requires prompt attention to keep your treatment plan progressing smoothly.
Immediate Action and Assessment
If a bite block falls out, first locate the loose piece, if possible, and safely store it to bring to your appointment. Gently rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution, made by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. This rinsing action cleans the area and helps reduce any minor irritation that occurred when the block dislodged.
Next, perform a careful examination of the area where the bite block was attached, using a mirror and good lighting. Check for sharp edges from the exposed bracket or wire that might be irritating the cheek, tongue, or gum tissue. If a sharp piece causes discomfort, temporarily cover it with a small amount of orthodontic wax until you can see your provider. The wax creates a smooth barrier, protecting the sensitive oral mucosa from abrasion.
Assess the immediate functional impact of the missing block on your bite. Slowly and gently close your jaw to determine if your upper and lower teeth or brackets are now making contact that they were previously prevented from doing. This contact can result in the lower jaw’s brackets hitting the upper front teeth, potentially damaging the hardware or the teeth themselves. Note any new interference or pain during this assessment to relay to your orthodontic team.
Contacting Your Orthodontist for Repair
The next priority is contacting your orthodontic office to schedule a repair appointment. Call the office as soon as possible, ideally during regular business hours, to report the dislodged appliance. If the block falls out after hours and you experience severe pain, significant tissue damage from a sharp wire, or an inability to close your mouth, contact the after-hours emergency line provided by your practice.
When speaking with the staff, clearly relay specific details about the situation. This helps them determine the urgency and allocate the appropriate repair time. Specify which tooth the block fell from, whether it was a metal or acrylic block, and if any discomfort or hardware damage is present. The team can then prepare the correct materials and estimate the length of the appointment needed to re-bond the device.
Even if the loss of the block is not causing immediate pain, it should not be ignored or postponed until your next scheduled adjustment. Allowing the bite block to remain missing for an extended period can halt the progress of your treatment plan. The teeth may shift back slightly or the opposing brackets may be damaged. A prompt repair ensures that the mechanics of your appliance remain intact and the alignment process continues efficiently.
Understanding Bite Block Function
Bite blocks are placed for a specific biomechanical purpose related to correcting malocclusion, particularly a deep bite where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. The blocks mechanically open the bite by creating premature contact points between the upper and lower arches. This prevents the patient from fully closing their mouth in the typical manner.
This intentional separation of the back teeth achieves two primary goals. First, it prevents the patient from biting down directly onto the brackets on the opposing jaw, which could lead to hardware breakage or loosening of the bond. Second, by taking the back teeth out of occlusion, the bite blocks reduce forces on those posterior teeth. This allows the orthodontist to apply specific forces to facilitate tooth movement in the front teeth without interference.
Without the block in place, the structural integrity of the brackets on the lower arch is compromised, increasing the risk of breakage and discomfort. The temporary loss of the bite block also pauses the deep bite correction process. A quick repair is necessary to maintain momentum and avoid delays in the overall timeline of the orthodontic journey.