If you notice small bumps on your teeth after getting braces, you may wonder why they are there—and why your teeth suddenly do not fit together the way they did before.
These bumps are often called bite turbos or bite blocks. They temporarily change where your teeth touch to protect your braces or create clearance for planned tooth movement.
At Parker Wentz Orthodontics, we want patients in Lubbock and Seminole to understand every part of their treatment, including the small details that can take some getting used to.
What Do Bite Turbos Do?
Depending on your bite, your upper teeth may contact the brackets on your lower teeth when you close your mouth. Repeated contact can loosen brackets and interfere with treatment.
Bite turbos create a small amount of separation between the upper and lower teeth. They may be placed behind the upper front teeth or on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, depending on the treatment plan.
They are one of several tools an orthodontist may use alongside braces to help manage how your teeth fit together.
Why Does My Bite Feel Different?
With bite turbos in place, only certain teeth may touch when you close. That change can make chewing feel unfamiliar, especially at first.
You may need time to adjust to the new contact points. Do not try to force your teeth together or remove the bumps yourself. If eating remains difficult, your bite feels painful, or you are unsure whether something is right, contact your orthodontic team.
What Can You Eat With Bite Turbos?
Start with softer foods that require less chewing, such as:
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Soft pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft, cooked vegetables
Take small bites and chew slowly. Continue avoiding hard and sticky foods that could damage your braces or loosen the bite turbos.
As you adjust, you can gradually return to a wider variety of braces-friendly foods according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
What If a Bite Turbo Breaks or Comes Off?
Contact our office if a bite turbo loosens, breaks, or comes off—particularly if your teeth begin hitting a bracket.
We can help determine whether you need an appointment before your next scheduled visit. Do not attempt to glue it back on, file it down, or remove the remaining material yourself.
How Long Will You Need Bite Turbos?
Bite turbos are temporary, but there is no single timeline that applies to everyone. Their duration depends on why they were placed and how your bite changes during treatment.
Dr. Parker Wentz will evaluate your progress and determine when they can be adjusted or removed. Not every patient needs them, and having them does not automatically mean you will need them for the entire time you wear braces.
Questions About Braces in Lubbock or Seminole?
Understanding your treatment can make the adjustment period easier. Whether you are exploring braces or have questions about an appliance already in place, our team is here to help.
Parker Wentz Orthodontics welcomes patients at our Lubbock office and Seminole office.
Ready to explore your options? Schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation.
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