Creating an Emergency Bite Block: A Quick and Effective Guide
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make a quick bite block when you find yourself in a tight spot, just like I had to do recently. There was a situation where the lab forgot to make a bite block for a patient, and I had to improvise on the spot. If you’re ever in a similar scenario, this method can get you through it without needing to reschedule or send the patient away.
Creating a Bite Block on the Fly
As a clinical dental technician, I’ve had years of experience crafting bite blocks, but even with practice, it’s always a bit tricky when you’re forced to do it quickly. However, if you think you’re up for the challenge, this technique can be a great way to solve the problem without cancelling the appointment.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare Your Materials
Start by mixing some putty. Knead it, folding it in on itself. Depending on the temperature, you might need to warm it up a bit, so if it’s cold, pop it in some hot water for a moment to make it more pliable. - Apply the Putty
Press the putty into the fitting surface of the denture carefully, making sure not to trap air bubbles. Then, spread it evenly over the entire surface, ensuring that you get a solid and smooth coverage. Once it’s done, place the denture on the bench and allow it to set for a few minutes. - Creating the Base Plate
Once the putty has set, you’ll need to apply a base plate. If you have light-cure trays, this can be a faster option. Simply place the light-cure tray over the putty, cure it with a UV light (like a nail curing lamp), and trim any excess. If you don’t have a tray, you can also use a wax sheet. - Warming the Wax
For this example, we’ll use a wax sheet. Cut off enough wax to cover the entire fitting surface. Place it in a bottle warmer to soften it, and once it’s ready, gently press the wax into the fitting surface. - Creating the Bite Block
You want to ensure the wax is warm but not too soft. You can double it up for thicker areas, especially if you’re aiming to create a stronger block. Once the wax is applied, shape it as needed to ensure a proper bite registration. - Use of Light-Cure Materials
For a more refined and durable bite block, you can use light-cure materials. Just place the material in the tray, cure it under the light, trim off any excess, and let it set. This method is especially useful if you’re working with plaster models. - Final Adjustments
After everything is set and the bite block is in place, it’s time to trim any sharp edges or excess material. If the bite block is still a little too soft, you can let it cool in some cold water to firm up.
Speeding Up the Process
In a situation where you’re working under pressure, you want everything to set as quickly as possible. Using a bottle warmer with fast-setting putty can help speed up the process significantly. This method can also be particularly helpful for temporary dentures, where you may not want to wait for the bite block to be sent away for a week before proceeding with the next steps.
Conclusion
At Modern Dentures, we understand that flexibility and speed are essential when it comes to patient care. While bite blocks may be something you typically receive from a laboratory, knowing how to create one on the fly is a useful skill that can save time and keep your patient’s treatment on track. If you’re ever in a pinch, don’t hesitate to give this technique a try. It could be the difference between sending a patient home or completing their treatment with ease!
Watch the full video to gain insights and recommendations from our experience! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsV0NP0cF9Y
