Why is a block placed on molars during teeth alignment?

Question

Hello doctor,

I got my top braces on my teeth a week ago, and today I had a visit to my orthodontist as the wire was too long and poking my gum, so she cut it. However, she put something underneath the molars on each side. I am unsure if it is wax or something else, as it is tough to remove.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It could be a bite block (a visible light cured, radiopaque highly filled composite restorative material for raising the bite) given on the occlusal surface of molars to get an open bite to correct some irregular alignment of teeth you might be having. The dentist will remove it when the bite is corrected in the next couple of months.

Those might be rubber bands between the first molar tooth and the premolar in front of it. It is done to create space so metal bands can be fixed on them to get anchorage while retracting or aligning other front incisor teeth. Explain the correct positions of that wax-like thing or post a picture.

Please put a picture of the area for me to give a better opinion.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.