Teeth blocks, also known as bite blocks, ramps, or turbos, are small appliances attached to your teeth by an orthodontist to prevent your upper and lower teeth from fully meeting when you bite down. They are commonly used during orthodontic treatment.
Here's a more detailed look:
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Purpose: The primary function of teeth blocks is to create space between your upper and lower teeth. This is often necessary to:
- Allow specific teeth to move into their correct positions without interference.
- Prevent you from biting down on and potentially damaging your braces brackets.
- Correct a deep bite (overbite).
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Appearance and Placement: They are typically small, often made of composite material (the same material used for tooth-colored fillings), and are bonded to the back surfaces of the upper front teeth or the biting surfaces of the back molars.
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How They Work: By elevating your bite, teeth blocks temporarily change the way your teeth come together. This separation allows orthodontists to manipulate the teeth being treated to get optimal results, particularly during alignment and bite correction phases.
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Adjustment Period: Initially, having teeth blocks can feel strange. You may find it difficult to chew certain foods. Your orthodontist will provide guidance on adjusting to the blocks and what foods to avoid to prevent dislodging them.
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Duration: Teeth blocks are typically temporary and are removed once the desired tooth movement or bite correction has been achieved.
In summary, teeth blocks are an important tool used in orthodontics to create space in your bite, facilitating tooth movement and protecting braces during treatment.
