November 17, 2025
Key takeaways
Bite blocks (also called bite turbos or ramps) are small, acrylic devices placed on teeth by an orthodontist to prevent upper and lower teeth from touching. This protects braces from damage and creates space for other teeth to move. Thus, correcting bite issues like overbites or underbites more efficiently.
What they are
Material: Usually moldable acrylic plastic, but can also be made from other dental materials like gel or glass ionomer cement.
Placement: Can be attached to the chewing surfaces of back molars or the tongue-side (lingual) surfaces of front teeth.
Appearance: Available in various colors, including tooth-colored options, and can even be spring-loaded in some cases.
How they work
Prevent Contact: They create a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, stopping them from making full contact when you bite.
Protect Braces: Keeping teeth from hitting brackets prevents damage to the braces themselves.
Create Space: This separation allows teeth to move into their correct positions without being blocked by other teeth.
Correct Bite Issues: They are specifically used to address deep bites (overbites) and other bite misalignments, making orthodontic treatment faster.
Patient experience
Initial Adjustment: They can feel strange at first, but most patients adapt within a week or two as the tongue, teeth, and jaw adjust.
Eating: You can eat with them, but you may need to stick to softer foods for the first few days, similar to when you first get braces.
Duration: They are temporary and are removed by the orthodontist once the desired bite correction is achieved.
When to call your orthodontist
If the bite blocks feel too high or cause pain.
If you accidentally damage or dislodge them, they need to be replaced.
If you notice your brackets are being damaged by your teeth despite the blocks.
Table of Content
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What is a bite block?
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What are the types of bite blocks?
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Why are bite blocks used?
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What to expect with bite blocks
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Tips for adjusting to bite blocks
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Benefits of bite blocks in orthodontic treatment
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Are bite blocks uncomfortable forever?
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What happens after bite blocks are removed?
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The bottom line on bite block braces
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FAQs
What is a bite block?
Let's start simple.
Bite blocks are small dental tools made of soft or semi-soft material, such as medical-grade resin or acrylic. They can be blue, clear, or even tooth-colored, depending on your orthodontist's preference. These bite blockers are placed strategically on your molars or front teeth to create a slight gap between your upper and lower arches.
That gap? It's deliberate. It stops your teeth from fully closing together, which might sound counterintuitive when you're trying to fix your bite, but it's genius. It gives your braces the space they need to move your teeth safely and efficiently.
When your braces are first fitted, the wires and brackets start applying gentle pressure to reposition your teeth. But if your upper and lower arches collide, they can break brackets or bend wires. That's where bite blocker braces come in — to keep those collisions from happening.
What are the types of bite blocks?
Here are the two major types of bite blocks:
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Fixed Bite Blocks:
These are cemented onto your teeth for the duration of your treatment. You can't remove them, which makes them ideal for patients who need continuous correction or protection. -
Removable Bite Blocks:
Used in milder cases or as temporary bite raisers, these can be taken out for cleaning or eating, though that freedom can sometimes tempt you to skip wearing them (don't).
Both types serve the same purpose: keeping your bite under control while your orthodontist works their magic. And they serve the same purpose for both braces and clear aligners. Normally, people do confuse this, but bite blockers don't really interfere with the treatment method. They just stop you from damaging the oral appliance.
To learn about how treatments differ, read more on aligners vs braces.
Why are bite blocks used?
Orthodontists don't add extra components to braces for fun. Every piece serves a function, and bite blocks are no exception. They're the unsung heroes in your smile-straightening journey.
Prevent brace damage
Braces are sturdy, but not invincible. When you close your mouth, your upper and lower teeth can press against the brackets, sometimes with enough force to pop them right off.
Bite blockers for braces act like tiny cushions, preventing that direct contact. They absorb pressure and keep your brackets safe. Think of them as shock absorbers, the unsung guardians of your orthodontic gear.
Correct bite issues
Bite block orthodontics isn't just about protection; it's also about precision. Open bite? Crossbite? Deep bite that hides your lower teeth completely? Bite blockers can help fix all of that. By creating space, these little devices give your teeth room to shift into their correct positions. They literally train your mouth to form a proper bite.
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Deep bite: When your upper teeth overlap too much of the lower ones.
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Crossbite: When some of your upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
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Open bite: When there's a visible gap between your top and bottom front teeth, even when you close your mouth.
A well-placed bite block helps correct these imbalances, gently guiding your teeth and jaw into a natural, healthy alignment.
Guide jaw & teeth movement
Sometimes, the issue isn't just your teeth; it's your jaw position. Bite raiser braces help by subtly repositioning your jaw during treatment. They limit how far your mouth can close, encouraging the muscles and joints to settle into a corrected, more balanced position.
Over time, this helps create not just a better smile, but a more comfortable bite.
Improve treatment efficiency
Let's be honest, everyone wants faster results with braces.
By eliminating friction and interference between the teeth, bite blockers let braces do their job faster. Your teeth can move more freely, and your orthodontist doesn't have to repair damaged brackets or readjust wires constantly.
The result? A smoother, quicker, more efficient treatment.
What to expect with bite blocks
Here's the truth: the first few days might feel strange. It's like learning to chew again. But it's temporary.
Temporary discomfort
Your mouth is adjusting to something new, so a bit of discomfort is expected. You might feel like your teeth don't touch properly (they don't, and that's the point). Talking might feel off. Chewing might take effort. Mild soreness? Totally normal. Lisping? Also fine. Give it a few days, and your tongue and jaw will adapt.
Adaptation period
The adjustment period varies. Some people adapt in a couple of days; others take a few weeks. But gradually, your bite, speech, and chewing patterns realign.
Pro Tip
Try reading out loud to speed up tongue adjustment. You'll be surprised how quickly your speech normalizes.
Duration of use
Bite block braces usually stay on for 6 to 12 months, depending on your treatment goals. They're removed once your bite is properly aligned and your orthodontist determines that your braces no longer need that extra layer of protection.
So, temporary inconvenience, lifelong benefit. Not a bad deal.
Tips for adjusting to bite blocks
You'll adapt faster with a few smart habits.
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Eat soft foods: Soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, pasta — anything that doesn't demand heavy chewing. Avoid tough meats, nuts, or crunchy snacks for a bit.
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Practice speaking: Read, sing, talk to yourself (yes, really). It helps your tongue learn its new boundaries.
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Stay on top of oral hygiene: Food can get stuck around bite blocks, so brush carefully and floss diligently. It's also a key part of preventing dental plaque buildup.
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Stay patient: Bite blocks aren't forever. Remind yourself that every awkward bite or funny word is part of the process toward a better smile.
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Report any problems: If a bite block loosens or causes pain, call your orthodontist. Never try to fix it yourself.
Benefits of bite blocks in orthodontic treatment
They're small, but their impact is huge. Let's recap why orthodontists swear by them.
Prevent damage to braces and appliances
Without bite blockers, many patients accidentally bite down on brackets and wires. That means emergency visits, delays, and extra costs. Bite blocks act as a preventive measure, reducing the risk of damage.
Speed up bite correction
Because they control how your teeth close and guide jaw movement, bite blocks can accelerate correction, making your braces more efficient overall.
Support overall alignment and jaw health
Bite block orthodontics doesn't just aim for straight teeth; it works toward balance. When your jaw sits properly, tension in the joints reduces, and your bite feels more natural and comfortable.
Essential for long-term success
Skipping bite blocks when they're recommended can set your treatment back months. They're essential for achieving that “everything fits perfectly” finish orthodontists aim for — where your bite feels as good as it looks.
Are bite blocks uncomfortable forever?
Nope. The awkwardness fades, and soon you'll barely notice them. Think of it like wearing new shoes; the first few days feel strange, but then they become a natural part of your routine. The payoff? A smoother orthodontic experience and better long-term results. If your bite blocks are causing persistent discomfort or you feel pain that doesn't fade after a week, it's worth checking in with your orthodontist. Sometimes, a quick adjustment is all it takes.
Moreover, if you're going the clear aligner route, things get easier. Since you can pop them out when eating, especially the bite blockers become easier to manage.
Unsure if clear aligners are right for you?
Take a quick survey from Caspersmile to see if you're a good candidate.
What happens after bite blocks are removed?
Once your orthodontist removes the bite blocks, you'll notice your teeth closing more naturally again. It can feel odd for a day or two, but your bite will quickly readjust. The best part? You'll realize how much progress those little pads made possible. Your bite feels more even, your braces are intact, and your smile. Well, it's one step closer to perfect.
The bottom line on bite block braces
Bite blocks might look like minor details in your braces setup, but they're major players behind the scenes. They safeguard your brackets, guide your jaw, and help your orthodontist craft that perfect smile.
Yes, it takes getting used to. But after the adjustment period, you'll hardly notice them until you see how much faster and smoother your treatment runs. They're temporary. Effective. And quietly powerful.
Frequently asked questions
References
Healthline. Bite Blocks for Braces: Tiny Turbos That Make a Big
Difference
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/bite-block-braces
Colgate. What is a
Bite Block?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-is-a-bite-block
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