If you’re getting braces put on your teeth, then you may be wondering how long you should expect to wear bite blocks or bite turbos with them? How effective are they, and are they even necessary? Before you can make that decision, it’s important to know the basics of what they are and how they work. Once you know more about them, you can decide if they’re right for your situation or not. Here’s what you need to know about bite blocks and braces.
What is a bite turbo?
A bite turbos, otherwise known as an oral orthotic or functional orthotic, is a small piece of plastic that fits between your upper and lower teeth. It is typically worn at night while you sleep but can also be worn during waking hours. The purpose of wearing one is to provide additional support for malocclusion (poorly aligned teeth) caused by braces or other dental problems. While braces are essential for correcting issues like overbites, crossbites and spacing problems, they do not do anything for strength or alignment issues related to your bite pattern. In fact, there are cases where having braces on but not addressing underlying bite issues could even cause new alignment problems down the road.
Why you will wear it
It’s not enough for orthodontic patients to have a healthy smile; your bite needs to be strong, too. One way to make sure that your bite is as strong as possible is by using an Occlusal Adjuster (commonly known as a bite turbo). Because it works against teeth and jaw movement, wearing an occlusal adjuster can help slow down tooth wear during treatment. If you take it off even once, however, you could have trouble fixing your bite later on in treatment. That’s why it’s important for patients who wear them during treatment (and their parents) are made aware of their benefits—and potential disadvantages.
How long does my treatment plan require me to use the bite turbo
If you’re only going to be getting braces for one reason (to fix your teeth), then your treatment plan will likely be much shorter than someone who is also getting their bite fixed in addition to having their teeth straightened. This can make it less of a burden to wear a bite turbo while you have braces, but. If you don’t have time on your side or have plenty of free time, it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Ultimately, that decision comes down to what works best for you and how easily and quickly you can achieve desired results. Asking questions of your dentist or orthodontist will help determine whether
What are some tips for wearing my bite turbo
With your bite turbo in place, remember that you’ll need to keep it as clean as possible. It’s best to remove it before meals and try not to let food or liquids get caught between your teeth and mouthpiece; these can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria. While your bite turbo is in place, be sure to brush twice daily. Floss regularly and have your dentist check on its fit and positioning every three months. These simple steps will keep you smiling all summer long.
