Bite turbos, also called bite blocks, are small bumps of tooth-colored material added to the chewing surfaces of some back teeth. They stop your teeth from closing all the way, which protects the brackets from your bite and can help correct a deep bite. At Behl Orthodontics, we place them on the back teeth.
Why would I need bite turbos?
- To keep upper and lower teeth from biting on, and knocking off, brackets
- To help open a deep bite, where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth
- To give teeth room to move when the bite would otherwise lock them in place
What do they feel like?
At first, only the teeth with turbos touch when you bite, and chewing feels strange. Most people adjust within a few days to a week or two.
Eating with bite turbos
- Start with soft foods and cut food into small pieces.
- Chew slowly; it takes a little practice.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods, which can break a turbo or a bracket.
How long do they stay on?
Only as long as they’re needed: usually until the bite has opened enough or the risky contact is gone. Your orthodontist removes them by polishing them off, which takes a few minutes.
What if one breaks or comes off?
Call us the next business day. A missing turbo can let your teeth bite on the brackets, so we may want to replace it before your next visit.
