Bite turbos are small attachments bonded to your teeth that prevent your upper and lower teeth from fully closing during your orthodontic journey. Made from composite resin, metal, or glass ionomer, they’re placed on the back molars or behind the front teeth to help correct deep bites while protecting your braces from damage.
You may also hear them called bite ramps or turbo bites. They’re a common, temporary tool board-certified orthodontist Dr. Briggs uses to support faster, safer bite correction for children, teens, and adults at Austin Orthodontics. Understanding what bite turbos are can ease a lot of the questions families have when they first see them in the mirror. Though tiny, these little additions play a big role in keeping treatment on track, and they’re far more comfortable than most families expect once the first few days pass.
How Do Bite Turbos Work?
Bite turbos work by creating a small amount of space between your upper and lower teeth so they can’t fully meet when you bite down. This stops your back teeth from touching, which gives your braces room to move teeth freely without interference from a deep bite. Over weeks to months, the bite gradually repositions into a healthier alignment.
Here’s what they’re doing inside your mouth:
- Creating vertical space. By acting like a tiny prop, they stop the upper and lower teeth from clashing.
- Protecting your brackets. When you have a deep bite, your lower front teeth can hit the brackets on your upper teeth and pop them off. Turbos prevent that contact.
- Letting teeth shift freely. Without the bite locking everything in place, your teeth can move into their planned positions more efficiently.
- Supporting other appliances. Dr. Briggs often pairs bite turbos with elastics and braces (or clear aligners) for deep bite correction.
Most families notice the difference within the first few days. Chewing feels different at first, and your back teeth may not touch at all. That’s exactly what we want. As your bite corrects, those back teeth will gradually start meeting again, and the turbos can come off.
Benefits of Bite Turbos
Their biggest benefit is keeping treatment moving forward without setbacks.
Here’s why Dr. Briggs and our team use them so often:
- Fewer broken brackets. A deep bite is one of the top reasons brackets get knocked off. Bite turbos take that pressure away.
- Faster deep bite correction. When teeth aren’t locked together, they can move into position more efficiently.
- Protection for enamel and restorations. They reduce wear from grinding or clenching against opposing teeth.
- Better outcomes for overbite cases. Children, teens, and adults with deep bites often finish treatment with a more balanced, healthy bite.
- Small and discreet. Most are tooth-colored or hidden behind the front teeth, so they’re not noticeable when you smile.
- Temporary. Once your bite has corrected, they’re easily removed during a regular visit.
For many families, bite turbos are the quiet workhorse of treatment. You hardly think about them after the first week, but they’re doing a lot behind the scenes to keep your transformed smile on schedule.
Bite Turbos vs. Other Bite Correction Methods
Bite turbos aren’t the only way to correct a deep bite, but they’re often the most efficient. The chart below breaks down how they stack up against other common methods:
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bite Turbos | Bonded to molars or behind front teeth to stop full bite closure | Deep bites with braces or clear aligners | Mild soreness for a few days, then unnoticed |
| Elastics (Rubber Bands) | Connect upper and lower braces to shift the bite | Class II/III bites, moderate overbites | Easy to wear, requires patient consistency |
| Bite Ramps | Similar to turbos, placed behind upper front teeth | Mild to moderate deep bites | Comfortable after short adjustment |
| Clear Aligner Precision Bite Ramps | Built into clear aligner trays to prop the bite open | Deep bite correction with clear aligners | Built into the tray, very low-profile |
| Headgear or Functional Appliances | External or removable devices that guide jaw growth | Growing children with skeletal issues | Bulkier, more adjustment needed |
Often, these tools work together. For example, Dr. Briggs may combine bite turbos with elastics for stubborn deep bites, or use precision bite ramps inside clear aligners for adults who prefer a more subtle treatment option. The right combination depends on your bite, your age, and your overall treatment plan, which is something we map out during your free consult.
Cost Factors for Bite Turbos
Bite turbos are typically included in the cost of braces or clear aligners and are rarely billed separately. If your treatment plan calls for them, the cost is built into your quote, so there are no surprise charges along the way.
A few things can affect the total cost of your orthodontic journey:
- Case complexity. Deeper bites or more involved cases may require additional appliances.
- Treatment length. Longer treatments naturally cost more overall.
- Replacements. If a bite turbo chips or comes off, we’ll reattach it at a regular visit. There’s usually no extra charge.
Most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic care include bite turbos as part of the overall benefit. At Austin Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment options, 0% financing, and a flexible down-payment so the families we serve can get the care they need without stress. Dr. Briggs and our team will go over everything during your free consult, including how each piece of your plan fits into the total investment.
Who Is a Candidate for Bite Turbos?
Bite turbos are a great fit for many families with deep bites or excessive overbites. If your upper front teeth cover too much of your lower front teeth when you close down, you’re likely a strong candidate. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, deep bites are among the more common bite issues orthodontists correct, which is one big reason Dr. Briggs recommends turbos so often.
You may benefit from bite turbos if:
- You have a deep bite or significant overbite
- Your lower teeth bite directly onto your upper braces brackets
- Your teeth grind or wear unevenly because of how they meet
- You’re a child, teen, or adult starting braces or clear aligners
- Your bite is keeping certain teeth from moving as planned
Bite turbos usually aren’t needed for shallow bites or open bites, where the upper and lower teeth don’t overlap much (or at all). The only way to know for sure is a clinical evaluation. During your free consult, Dr. Briggs will examine your bite, take digital impressions, and let you know if bite turbos are part of your recommended treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Turbos
Do bite turbos hurt?
Bite turbos aren’t painful, but they do take some getting used to. For the first few days, your jaw and teeth may feel a little tender as your bite adjusts. Soft foods help during this adjustment period. Within about a week, most families forget the turbos are even there.
How long do bite turbos stay on?
Bite turbos stay on until your deep bite has corrected, which can range from a few months to most of your treatment time. Dr. Briggs monitors your progress at each visit and removes them as soon as they’ve done their job. Every case is a little different.
Can I eat normally with bite turbos?
You can eat normally, but you’ll want to start with soft foods for the first few days. Things like pasta, eggs, yogurt, and soft fruits are easy on a new bite. Once you’ve adjusted, you can return to your usual diet, just avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could damage your braces or knock a turbo loose.
Do bite turbos affect speech?
Some families notice a mild, temporary lisp for the first few days, especially if the turbos are placed behind the front teeth. Your tongue quickly adapts. Reading out loud or chatting with family often speeds up the adjustment. The lisp typically fades within a week.
What if a bite turbo falls off?
If a bite turbo comes off, don’t worry. It happens occasionally and isn’t an emergency. Just give our team at Austin Orthodontics a call and we’ll schedule a quick visit to reattach it. Try to avoid biting hard foods on that side until it’s replaced.
Are bite turbos used with clear aligners?
Yes! With clear aligners, we often use precision bite ramps built right into the trays, which work the same way as traditional bite turbos. In some cases, small composite bite turbos may also be bonded directly to the teeth. Dr. Briggs will recommend the option that fits your treatment plan best.
If you have a deep bite or you’re wondering whether bite turbos might be part of your treatment, our team at Austin Orthodontics is always glad to answer your questions. Dr. Briggs is a board-certified orthodontist and AAO member, and he and our whole team offer the same level of care I’d give to my own family to every family who walks through our doors. Bite turbos are just one small piece of how we keep treatment efficient, comfortable, and on track.
Want to learn more about deep bite correction or how bite turbos might fit into your plan? Our team is here whenever you’re ready to talk things through. Happy & healthy smiles start here. Call today for a free consultation!