How to Make a Bite Block

Speech therapists use bite blocks to teach patients the proper lip, tongue and jaw positions for pronouncing certain syllables. Outside of speech therapy, people use bite blocks to strengthen and stabilize their jaws. You can make your own customized bite blocks with dental putty and hardener, both available through your dentist.

Things You'll Need

  • Dental putty
  • Dental putty catalyst
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work 1 tbsp. putty into 1 tbsp. catalyst until the colors are well-blended. Form the putty mixture into a square shape. Spend less than 2 minutes on this step, to keep the putty pliable.

    • 2

      Place the putty square between the patient’s back molars. Have the patient place his thumb between his two front teeth and bite down. This will create an impression in the putty.

    • 3

      Remove the putty from the patient’s mouth and place it in on a clean, flat surface to dry.

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