Everything You Need to Know About Bite Blocks and Braces

If you have ever worn braces, you’ve likely seen your orthodontist take out bite blocks when they put your braces on and then use them again when they take your braces off to make sure that your teeth don’t move while your braces are off. Bite blocks braces can help keep the teeth properly positioned while patients wear braces and can be helpful in preventing tooth movement even after the braces come off. In this article, we will explain what bite blocks are, how they work, how to use them properly, and what side effects they may have.

What Are Bite Blocks?

Bite blocks are orthodontic appliances that are inserted between a patient’s upper and lower teeth during treatment. They come in different shapes, sizes, materials, textures, etc., but all of them serve the same purpose: they hold a patient’s teeth in place while braces are being worn. Often referred to as occlusal separators or occlusal stabilizers, bite blocks fit over two brackets on each side of an arch (right and left) with pressure from your tongue holding it in place.

Uses For Bite Blocks

Most dentists prescribe bite blocks for their patients when they get braces. But why do people wear them? Are they safe? Can you avoid wearing one? That depends on your situation. Most commonly, bite blocks are prescribed for children who are getting braces because these devices help them achieve a normal bite so that orthodontic treatment can be effective. In most cases, a bite block is used alongside other orthodontic appliances like headgear or rubber bands to encourage tooth movement in children who are not cooperative with traditional treatment methods. This helps prevent uneven bites, facial injuries, and discomfort associated with orthodontics.

Side Effects Of Using Bite Blocks

Most common side effects include dental hypersensitivity, which is a condition that makes it difficult for you to be in contact with anything that’s not soft or moist (like your food). Other side effects can include dry mouth and throat soreness. In rare cases, using bite blocks has caused temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), a condition that causes pain or discomfort in your jaw joints. If you’re concerned about any side effects of using bite blocks, speak with your dentist. Additionally, if you’re not wearing them correctly—meaning they're no longer protecting your teeth from further damage—you could damage your teeth even more than they were damaged prior to wearing bite blocks.

Choosing Between Mouth Guards or Bite Block

Choosing between a mouth guard or bite block for braces can be tricky. They both do similar things, which is prevent you from grinding your teeth. However, each product does it in different ways. A mouth guard is placed over your teeth in order to protect them. When you wear braces, you often have metal wires that help to keep your teeth in place while they are being straightened out by a series of brackets attached to them.

How To Choose A Good One?

Many dentists use bite blocks or orthodontic devices called appliances because they can help correct a patient’s bite. While these devices have been proven effective, many people are reluctant to try them because of potential side effects. However, it is possible to find one that won’t irritate your gums or cause other unpleasant symptoms. Choose a new appliance by first consulting with your dentist about whether you need one in the first place; remember that if you don’t have discomfort, it’s probably not a good idea to wear an appliance—even if they do help you attain a more normal bite.

Tips To Maintain The Product Longer?

The best way to maintain your bite block is with regular visits to your orthodontist for adjustments, particularly if you’re using it for a major tooth movement. During each visit, your dentist or orthodontist will remove any food stuck between your teeth, re-insert your bite block as needed and make sure you have an adequate amount of room in which to eat comfortably. If you do need a replacement, ask about silicone bite blocks. While they can be more expensive than plastic models, these tend to last longer because they conform better to one’s mouth.

Which Type Is Best For You?

Each type of bite block (otherwise known as a retainer) has its pros and cons. To figure out which type is best for you, first ask your orthodontist what is recommended for your teeth. If you have normal bite with no misalignment, an acrylic bite block will do just fine. For patients who have more complicated issues that require larger procedures, like braces or even headgear, resin-bonded plastic blocks are best. These are made of a material that bonds directly to teeth, ensuring they don’t loosen over time like acrylic ones can.

When To Use A Bite Block And When Not To?

Any item that’s used in a medical environment should be deemed dangerous by anyone who isn’t a professional. The main risk of using bite blocks is an increased risk of cavities. Since braces cannot control how far back a person bites, it’s easy for food particles to get lodged in their mouth and grow bacteria. As such, anyone with braces or bite blocks should take extra care when brushing their teeth.

Risks Involved While Using The Product

While these are very effective and work well in certain cases, they do have side effects. If you have not been given specific instructions on how to use a bite block, we strongly recommend that you do not take any chances with your teeth or gums. These products are intended for use by trained professionals. While used correctly, bite blocks will work amazingly well; however, if used incorrectly they can lead to severe damage of your mouth and teeth. Also, while they can be helpful during nighttime tooth grinding (nocturnal parafunction), they should only be worn at night time as well if overdone it can also lead serious health issues such as jaw damage as well as TMJ disorder!