Bite blocks, also known as turbos or ramps, are small devices attached to the biting surfaces of certain teeth during orthodontic treatment. Their function is to prevent the upper and lower teeth from fully touching. This is necessary to correct deep bites, open space for tooth movement, or protect lower brackets from being bitten off. It is normal to experience discomfort and pain when these devices are first placed, as your mouth is forced to function in a new way. This initial soreness is a common part of the adjustment process as your body adapts to the mechanical changes introduced by the blocks.
Identifying the Sources of Initial Discomfort
The most immediate cause of pain is the direct pressure exerted on the teeth supporting the bite blocks. These teeth are under mechanical stress from the bonding agent and the force of the opposing teeth hitting the block. This localized pressure can make the supporting teeth feel tender, especially when you attempt to chew or close your mouth firmly.
Biting down onto the block, instead of a full arch of teeth, creates a concentrated impact point. The opposing teeth that make contact with the bite block, often the lower front teeth, may feel a pounding effect due to this focused force. This altered point of occlusion can lead to tenderness in the teeth bearing the brunt of your biting pressure.
Bite blocks are typically made from a dental material like composite resin or acrylic, and this foreign texture can irritate soft tissues. The edges of the block may rub against the tongue or the inside of the cheek, similar to how new braces cause friction. This mechanical irritation contributes to the discomfort experienced in the first few days after placement.
Muscle Strain and Jaw Adjustment
A source of soreness originates from the musculature of the jaw, particularly the masseter and temporalis muscles. The introduction of the bite blocks forces the jaw to adopt a new resting and functional position. This change in the bite relationship requires your chewing muscles, known as the masticatory muscles, to work differently.
The muscles must exert force over a new, often wider, range of motion to close the jaw and chew, leading to fatigue and tension. This experience is comparable to the ache of a muscle cramp or soreness after an intense workout. The jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), may also feel strained as it adjusts to the altered biomechanics of the bite.
This muscular fatigue and soreness typically peaks within the first three to five days following the placement of the blocks. As your jaw muscles slowly adapt and retrain themselves to function in this new position, the strain begins to lessen. Most individuals find that this muscular discomfort starts to noticeably subside after the first week of wear.
Managing Pain and Soft Tissue Irritation
To manage the initial soreness, over-the-counter pain relievers are effective. Acetaminophen is generally recommended for managing pain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce both pain and inflammation. It is advisable to consult your orthodontist, however, as some practitioners prefer to limit the use of NSAIDs due to their potential to slow the rate of tooth movement.
Dietary adjustments minimize discomfort, especially during the first week. Focus on soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and smoothies. Cut any solid food into small, manageable pieces and chew slowly and deliberately to reduce the force applied to the bite blocks and supporting teeth.
For irritation to the tongue or cheek caused by rubbing against the block edges, orthodontic wax provides a smooth, temporary barrier. Applying a small piece of wax over the sharp or rough area of the block prevents friction and allows irritated soft tissue to heal. Rinsing the mouth several times a day with a warm salt water solution can also help soothe sore gums and small abrasions.
Simple jaw exercises, such as slow, controlled opening and closing movements, can help relieve muscle tension. These movements gently stretch the fatigued muscles and promote circulation, easing the stiffness and cramping sensation. This mindful movement can help the jaw adapt more quickly to its new functional position.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
If the pain does not lessen and instead remains severe or worsens after the initial adjustment period of seven to ten days, contact your orthodontist. Pain that is persistent beyond this timeline may indicate an issue needing professional evaluation.
Physical damage to the appliance, such as a block that has chipped severely, feels loose, or has come off entirely, requires prompt attention. If the block is worn down so opposing teeth contact your brackets, the protective function is lost. Your orthodontist may need to replace or repair the device to ensure treatment progresses correctly.
Severe cuts or sores on the cheek or tongue that bleed frequently or do not show signs of healing after several days are a reason to call the office. This suggests a sharp edge on the block that may need to be smoothed or filed down. If you experience difficulty swallowing or speaking that persists beyond the first few days, a consultation is warranted.