Fixed Anterior Bite Plate

Appliance Purpose / Function:

The Anterior Bite Plate is used to treat a deep bite. Working on the principle that an unopposed tooth will continue to erupt until it comes into contact with another surface, this appliance holds the anteriors while allowing the posteriors to erupt. An acrylic shelf is built into a maxillary plate in the anterior region where it will be contacted by the mandibular anteriors holding the bite open in the posterior region. This will cause the posterior teeth to erupt and open a deep bite. It can also be used to reduce muscle activity in TMJ patients.

Appliance Components:

Bands on first molars
Lingual arch wire
Anterior bite plate

Suggested Materials:

Wire: Stainless-.036 Elgiloy
Dental Acrylic

Appliance Fabrication Standards:

WIRE STANDARDS:
A heavy wire lingual arch is formed and soldered or laser welded to the molar bands. The models should be articulated and the bite plate trimmed to occlude evenly with the opposing teeth.

Wire does not need to contact the lingual surface of all the anterior teeth.
Technician should form this portion into as smooth an arch form as possible avoiding sharp bends
Posterior teeth must be contacted just above the gingival margin on the lingual surface
Care must be taken to avoid blocking any teeth in the process of eruption
A slight tuck must be made into the embrasure between the 2nd bicuspid and first molar when 2nd bicuspids are present
Wire must lie against middle 1/3 of lingual surface of band

ACRYLIC STANDARDS:

Palatal Acrylic-

Bite plate must be built up in anterior region to approximately level with the incisal edge of the anteriors (unless otherwise specified by Client), and must be a flat, level surface (Models should articulated)
Acrylic is extents to the distal of each cuspid.
All wires and inlay pictures completely encased in acrylic on lingual portion of anterior teeth