Braces are popularly known for aligning teeth perfectly, and they help you achieve a healthy smile. While braces are proven to be effective, there are some additional devices that you can add to enhance your treatment and get better results. Bite blocks for braces are one of those additions that can help you to make your treatment better.
What are bite blocks?
Bite blocks are also popularly known as ramp or turbo. These are tiny devices that the orthodontist attaches in front or the back of your teeth, and this helps prevent your teeth from coming into contact with each other when you bite down.
The material used to create Bite Blocks is known as acrylic plastic, and you can buy them in different colors. It is also available in the same shade as your tooth, so the people who don’t want others to notice can opt-in for it.
Why Do People Need Bite Blocks for Braces?
If your orthodontist is recommending you to get bite blocks, it’s because bite blocks help you to correct your misaligned bite, and they are also helpful to protect your braces brackets. In addition to this, if your teeth come in contact with each other, it may slow down the alignment or the straightening process, so getting bite blocks is recommended.
What Are the Types of Bite Blocks?
As mentioned above, bite blocks are divided into two types. The first type is the ones placed in front of your mouth, while the second one refers to the bite blocks placed in the back of your mouth.
Common concerns with bite blocks and what can you do to fix them:
- Having Problems While Chewing Food
Many people who have bite blocks have noticed that wearing bite blocks changes the way your jaw muscles work, and hence it might take you some time to figure out how to eat your food after you get bite blocks attached to your teeth. - Feeling Pain and Discomfort
People who get braces installed might feel some pain and discomfort in their early days, and when you get bite blocks, the discomfort rises because you start having chewing problems along with it. In situations like this, a person can take the help of medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) that help to ease their pain. - Speech Impairment
While this isn’t common, some people may face trouble speaking because of bite blocks getting in the way of their tongue. This usually happens with the people who have blocks attached to the inside surface of their teeth. The easiest solution is to practice speaking again by starting with easy words and moving to complex sentences later. - Having Lost or Worn Blocks
There are chances that your bite blocks use a material that gets worse with time, and hence if you think that your bite blocks aren’t keeping your teeth apart, then it is recommended that you visit your orthodontist to get them replaced. - Biting Only on One Block
For some people, their teeth may only touch one of the blocks; however, this is normal, and if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort, we won’t recommend you to visit an orthodontist.
Conclusion
We hope we were able to solve all your doubts regarding bite blocks. If you want more information on bite blocks or plan to get them for yourself, we’d recommend you visit us at Putnam Orthodontics today.
FAQs
The duration usually differs for every person; however, in most cases, people wear their bite blocks for a minimum of 6 to 9 months.
Bite blocks don't usually come off, but if one of your bite blocks comes off in a rare case, you don't have to do anything if you don't feel any discomfort. If both bite turbos are off, then visiting your orthodontist is recommended.
Swallowing your bite block mistakenly should be an issue, and it is recommended that you don't panic because your stomach can digest it easily with time, and it won't cost you any problems. However, if you start facing problems like breathing issues, then it's recommended to visit a doctor immediately.
Yes. Bite blocks might wear down with time.
Cleaning a bite block doesn't require much expertise. You can brush it using a toothbrush and toothpaste, and they'll be good to go. You can do this while you are brushing your teeth.
Bite blocks don't hurt, but they can cause you some discomfort in the early days until you get used to them.
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