--- title: "Bite Turbos UK | What Are Bite Blocks on Braces? (2026)" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/bite-turbos-uk description: "Bite turbos (bite blocks) are small pads bonded to teeth during brace treatment to protect brackets and correct deep bites." updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- Braces Deep Bite During Treatment # Bite Turbos UK — What Are They and Why Do You Need Them? Bite turbos are small raised pads bonded to selected teeth to stop your bite pressing directly onto brackets during orthodontic treatment. They are one of the most common sources of confusion and discomfort for new brace wearers — this guide explains exactly what they do and what to expect. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Compare Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) ## What bite turbos do Bite turbos, also called bite blocks or bite ramps, are bonded to selected teeth to separate the bite. They protect brackets from being knocked off, help deep bites open safely, and give teeth room to move. They are common in fixed brace treatment for overbites, deep bites, crossbites, and complex tooth movements. ## Why eating feels strange at first When bite turbos are first fitted, only a few teeth may touch. This makes chewing feel uneven for the first week or two. Most patients adapt by choosing softer foods, cutting food smaller, and chewing slowly. The bite usually feels more normal as teeth begin to move and additional teeth contact again. ## Speech and comfort Bite turbos can temporarily affect speech, especially if they are placed behind upper front teeth. The tongue adapts with practice. Mild jaw muscle fatigue is also common because the bite position is new. Persistent pain, headaches, or a turbo that feels excessively high should be checked. ## Breakages and wear Composite bite turbos can chip or wear down. This is not always a problem, but if one breaks and your teeth start hitting brackets, contact your orthodontic practice. Do not try to file or remove a bite turbo yourself. ## How long they stay on Bite turbos usually stay until the bite has opened enough to protect brackets and allow normal tooth movement. This can be a few weeks or several months depending on the bite problem. They are polished off at an appointment when no longer needed. ## Useful related pages [Overbite and Underbite Treatment](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/overbite-underbite-treatment-uk) [Deep Bite Treatment Options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/deep-bite-treatment-options) [Braces Aftercare](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-aftercare) [Foods to Avoid With Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/foods-to-avoid-with-braces-uk) [Do Braces Hurt?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/do-braces-hurt) [Orthodontic Emergencies](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-emergencies-uk) This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist. ### Compare next steps [Orthodontist Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [Clear Aligners Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [Invisalign Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/invisalign-provider-near-me) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Ready for a clearer starting point? Upload guided photos and receive an indication of likely treatment options and pricing before booking appointments. [Get an Online Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) ### Frequently Asked Questions Can I eat normally with bite turbos? Not for the first few days. Bite turbos hold your back teeth apart, so only a small number of teeth make contact and chewing feels awkward and inefficient at first. Stick to softer foods, cut everything into smaller pieces, and chew slowly and deliberately — soup, pasta, eggs, fish, yoghurt and well-cooked vegetables all work well. Avoid anything hard or crusty that has to be bitten through with the front teeth. Most people adapt within one to two weeks as the jaw muscles adjust, and normal eating gradually returns. If you still cannot eat comfortably after a fortnight, tell your orthodontist. Are bite turbos meant to feel uneven? Yes — feeling that your bite has changed is exactly what bite turbos are designed to do. They deliberately stop your teeth meeting in their usual position, so the bite will feel propped open, slightly odd and often uneven for the first week or two. Speech may be a little different too. What is not expected is real pain, a turbo that feels dramatically higher than the one on the other side, or a sharp edge cutting into your tongue or cheek. Any of those is worth a call to your orthodontic practice so the turbo can be checked, smoothed or adjusted. What if a bite turbo breaks? Contact your orthodontic practice, particularly if your teeth have started hitting brackets or wires again. A small chip often does not matter and can wait until your next scheduled appointment, but a turbo that has come off completely removes the protection it was providing and may stall the bite correction it was placed for. In the meantime, eat soft foods and avoid biting hard on that side. Take note of when it came away and whether both sides are affected — replacing a turbo is a quick chairside job, so it rarely needs an emergency visit unless something sharp is left behind. Do bite turbos damage teeth? Bite turbos do not damage healthy enamel when they are placed and removed properly. They are made from the same tooth-coloured dental composite or glass ionomer used for fillings and brackets, bonded to the enamel surface, and taken off at the end by polishing away the material — the tooth itself is not drilled or reshaped. The small risks are the ordinary ones of any bonded attachment: plaque collecting around the edges if brushing is neglected, which can leave white spot marks, and slight surface roughness if polishing is rushed. Brush carefully around them and mention any lingering rough edge at your next visit. How long do bite turbos stay on braces? Bite turbos typically remain in place for a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of the bite problem being corrected. Once the deep bite or crossbite has opened sufficiently to protect the brackets and allow continued tooth movement, your orthodontist will polish them off at a routine appointment. Why can I only bite on my back teeth with bite turbos? This is intentional. Bite turbos deliberately prevent your upper and lower teeth from meeting in their usual position so that the bite can be corrected without brackets being damaged. Most patients adapt to this within one to two weeks. The jaw muscles adjust and eating soft foods in smaller bites becomes manageable fairly quickly. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. 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Upload guided photos and get a tailored recommendation for your teeth and bite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) Citation details Title Bite Turbos UK | What Are Bite Blocks on Braces? (2026) Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-08-17 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/bite-turbos-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/bite-turbos-uk)