Bite block braces (known technically as functional orthodontics) are a form of orthodontic appliance used to correct common bite problems, such as overbites or misaligned bites. Bite block braces typically work by preventing the upper and lower teeth from touching, which enables realignment of the jaw and allows your bite to correct itself over time. Fitting bite block braces is generally a safe and effective procedure, but it’s not uncommon to wonder, “Can bite block braces damage teeth?”
In this blog, we’ll explore this question in full, discussing the potential risks and benefits that bite block braces can have on your overall oral health and well-being. Many members of our expert clinical team have experience in both the dental and legal fields, which means we have the expertise needed to answer this question fully.
If you’d like to see whether you have a valid dental negligence claim, please complete our online claim form or call our dedicated team on 0800 152 2034.
How Do Bite Block Braces Work?
Bite block braces are usually made from acrylic or metal and are attached to either the upper or lower teeth (or both, in some cases) – depending on the specific bite issue that needs to be addressed.
Bite block braces are not used to treat tooth surface loss issues such as tooth grinding, tooth clenching or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction issues specifically. Instead, they’re mostly used to address your bite alignment by guiding the jaw into the correct position.
In this way, bite block braces can be useful for helping to correct overbites, deep bites and other types of bite misalignments.
How Long Will I Need to Wear Bite Block Braces?
The amount of time you require the treatment will take, varies depending on your individual needs and how severe your bite issue is, so we can’t give you a specific time frame. However, on average, most people wear bite block braces for a period of six to twelve months, although some patients may require them for a different time period.
The appropriate treatment duration will be based on the following factors:
- How severe your bite problem is: Naturally, the more severe your bite misalignment is, the longer you’ll need to wear your bite block braces.
- Your individual needs and response to treatment: The time it takes to achieve the desired bite correction can vary, depending on your individual needs and the way your teeth and jaw respond to orthodontic treatment.
- Your age and overall oral health: Younger patients and people with good oral health may experience faster treatment progress, although this isn’t always a given.
You should always follow your dentist’s recommendations and attend regular checkups, ensuring your bite block braces are working effectively. Bite block braces are a temporary part of your orthodontic treatment – and once the desired bite correction has been achieved, they should be removed.
Can Bite Block Braces Damage Your Teeth?
Now that you understand a little more about bite blocks, the question remains – can bite block braces damage teeth? They’re unlikely to cause damage by themselves, but improper use or installation, dental negligence and poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of complications occurring.
If your bite block is not fitted correctly by your dentist or you do not have good oral hygiene, several complications can arise:
- Tooth decay: Plaque can build up around the bite block, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if you do not brush and floss properly.
- Gum disease: Having poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease – severe forms of gum disease can cause gum recession, bone loss and tooth loss.
- Enamel wear: In rare cases, bite block braces can cause slight wearing on your tooth enamel. However, it’s important to note that this wear is usually minimal.
If in doubt, you should always speak to your dentist before undergoing dental treatment, so you’re prepared for any situation that may arise.
The Side Effects of Bite Block Braces
Several side effects can occur as a result of bite blocks, even if you have good oral hygiene and dental negligence has not occurred. Bite block braces are generally safe, but you still need to be aware of these risks before committing to them:
- Discomfort, pain and irritation: When you first have bite block braces installed, they may cause some discomfort, irritation, a small degree of pain and problems with speaking or eating. However, most people adjust to wearing them within a few days or weeks.
- Increased saliva production: Having a bite block fitted can sometimes stimulate excess saliva production – this is usually temporary and should subside as the mouth adjusts.
- Difficulty with brushing and flossing: Bite block braces can make it more challenging to clean your teeth effectively, which increases the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. This is why it’s so crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits and follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning, especially when you have bite block braces.
- Accidental damage: It’s rare, but in some cases, bite block braces can become loose or break, which can cause damage to your teeth and gums. However, attending post-operative consultations and checkups can help to identify and address any issues as they arise.
If you’ve noticed any of these side effects and they don’t seem to be dissipating, we’d recommend speaking to your dentist first to see if there is anything they can do to help.
How to Minimise the Risks of Bite Block Braces
Whilst these complications are rare, they can cause further issues down the line with your oral health if not addressed appropriately. It’s important to attempt to minimise any risks associated with bite block braces, ensuring your treatment goes as planned. To minimise the risks of bite block braces, you should:
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
You should maintain a regular oral hygiene regime, which should include flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day, paying special attention to the area around the bite block.
Follow Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions
After your treatment, your dentist should give you a set of aftercare instructions, advising you on how to wear, clean and care for your bite block. This advice should be followed to the best of your ability afterwards.
Attend Regular Checkups
Your dentist may arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns you have – you should attend these appointments and be honest with them. You should also continue with your regular dental checkups, although you may not need to go every six months.
Choose an Experienced Dental Professional
We understand that you may not have a choice of dental professionals, and not all dentists can fit bite block braces. You should choose a dental professional who specialises in orthodontic treatment. We want to reassure you that any specialised orthodontist fitting bite blocks should be qualified and competent enough to complete your treatment appropriately for you, whilst following their duty of care responsibilities.
But if your dentist or orthodontist behaves negligently or does not complete your procedure adequately, you may be able to open a dental negligence claim against them through the Dental Law Partnership – find out more about the claims process here.
Are There Any Alternatives to Bite Block Braces?
If you’re concerned about the risks and side effects of bite blocks, there are several alternative treatment types that should be considered, depending on the specific bite issue you want to rectify and your individual needs.
Popular alternatives include:
- Traditional orthodontic braces: Traditional braces, whether fixed or removable may be sufficient on their own to align your teeth properly.
- Jaw surgery: If you need to correct both your jaw alignment and bite issues, jaw surgery may be an option (although usually only in severe cases).
Your dentist should inform you of any side effects, risks and alternative treatments before starting with your procedure. If they fail to obtain your voluntary consent and something goes wrong, you may be able to open a dental negligence case against your dentist.
Filing a Claim for Bite Block-Related Dental Negligence
So, can bite block braces damage teeth? While any dental procedure has the ability to go wrong, functional orthodontics using bite blocks is generally considered to be a safe and effective form of treatment when used correctly and fitted with proper care. If you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, maintain a good oral hygiene regime and attend your regular checkups, you can minimise the risks laid out above.
However, sometimes complications can occur due to no fault of your own – particularly if your dentist provides negligent treatment like improper use or placement of bite blocks during orthodontic treatment. Poor dental work like this can result in damage to the teeth or improper tooth movement.
Dental negligence can be extremely troubling if it occurs, often having a large effect on your mental health and finances, as well as your physical health. At The Dental Law Partnership, our team of expert dental solicitors can help you file a dental negligence claim, seeking compensation for the ordeal you’ve been through.
To get started with your claim, all you need to do is contact us, and we’ll get the process started. Alternatively, you can request a callback at your leisure.