Skip to main content

You may have just gotten your braces or orthodontic appliance on and noticed two blue, chunky things behind your teeth. They feel strange to your tongue and you can’t even bite down normally. What on earth are these? Good news, you are not alone!  These seemingly foreign, blue “things” are what we refer to in orthodontics as bite turbos or bite ramps, and they are very common at the start of orthodontic treatment..

 

Why are bite turbos necessary?

Bite turbos temporarily separate the upper teeth from the lower teeth to allow for placement of lower braces. In many cases, because of the overbite there is insufficient space for lower braces to be glued on. If the bite turbos were not placed, you would bite down and break off lower braces. The bite turbos therefore create a temporary, artificial separation of the upper and lower teeth to prevent breakages. Co-incidentally they also help correct a deep bite faster.

What can I expect during the initial adjustment period?

The placement of the bite turbos may be behind the upper front teeth or on the biting surface of the back molars. In both instances, your bite will feel very different from what you’re used to. You will only have two biting surfaces making contact which will make eating/chewing frustrating during the initial adjustment period. Rest assured, you will adjust to this new bite! It just takes some patience and modifying your diet during the early weeks of your treatment.

 

What foods should I eat?

Soft, mushy foods are recommended during the initial adjustment period. Soups, applesauce, purees, smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs and soft macaroni and cheese are good choices during these early days. As the bite starts to become less awkward feeling then transitioning into more solid foods, that are still cut up into smaller pieces, is recommended. Rest assured, by the time the second orthodontic visit arrives the bite turbos will feel completely normal. By the second appointment more teeth will likely be touching and the bite will feel more comfortable.

 

How long will I have the bite turbos?

The bite turbos are required until the overbite has been corrected enough that the upper and lower teeth are able to move freely, and there is no longer a risk of braces/appliance breakages from the bite.  This usually lasts anywhere from 6-9 months. Every situation is unique, but once they are no longer needed, the bite turbos are easily removed with a polishing stone.

 

We’re here to help! 

If you have any questions, our team at Walt Orthodontics is happy to help our Vaughan-Maple-Thornhill community! Whether you have just started your smile journey or you are interested to see if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment. We’re just one call or text away!

In-Person Consultation

Use our handy online scheduler below to choose the date and time that works best for your initial complimentary consultation appointment!

Please note that while initial orthodontic consultations are complimentary, if you recently completed orthodontic treatment or currently are in active appliances with another provider, seeking a replacement/repair for a retainer, or looking to schedule a second consult after your initial one there is a fee for the consultation. Please contact us for more information.

Alternatively, please contact our office directly by phone/text if you are trying to book multiple consultations at the same time or are seeking consultation further out than 12 weeks.

Please note – If none of the available times on our online scheduler work for you we do have other consultation times available. Please contact us directly for more information.

Virtual Consultation

Skip the office visit and have your free consultation from the comfort of your home. The start to your beautiful smile is just a few photos and clicks away.

X-Ray Upload

Insurance Upload

When it comes to financing there’s no one size fits all solution. Likewise, there is no singular solution when it comes to financing. At LendCare, we get that and go deeper to understand your unique story and offer flexible options that work best for you, given your current financial situation. That means you get affordable financing, even if your credit is anything but top-tier.

Walt Orthodontics is pleased to offer interest-free payments up to 30 months. If you require payments over 30 months we are happy to offer the LendCare solution.

DR. WALT’S DECISION TO BECOME AN ORTHODONTIST WAS INSPIRED BY HIS OWN DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Dr. Walt received his dental (DDS) degree from the University of Western Ontario, graduating first in his class and receiving the Gold Medal as well as numerous awards recognizing his scholastic and clinical achievements, leadership and character. He then completed his orthodontic training at the University of Colorado, where he received both his Specialty Certificate and Master of Science Degree. During his residency, he was awarded the Rocky Mountain Orthodontics Scholarship for overall excellence.

After graduating from residency and opening Walt Orthodontics in 2013, Dr. Walt committed himself to applying his traditional orthodontic education into the digital world to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience. He currently serves as a Faculty Member, Key Opinion Leader, and Advisory Board Member for Align Technology which involves traveling around the world to teach other orthodontists about Invisalign. Being at the forefront of digital orthodontics, Dr. Walt was invited to be the first orthodontist in Canada to use custom LightForce braces. He also serves as an Orthodontic Coach/Mentor for other orthodontists looking to improve their knowledge of digital orthodontics.

In addition to practicing orthodontics, Dr. Walt is a “die-hard” Blue Jays fan and enjoys working out in his spare time.

DR. GROSSMAN STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR HER PATIENTS.

Dr. Stephanie Grossman pursued her dental degree in sunny South Florida at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated with honours, at the top of her class, and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honour Society. She then completed her orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she received both a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. She is both a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Grossman strives to provide the highest standard of orthodontic care for her patients. She attends numerous hours of continuing education and utilizes the latest advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Grossman is licensed to practice in both the United States and Canada.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Grossman enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling the world. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves trying new restaurants!