Bite trays are dental devices used to take an impression of a patient’s teeth and gums. They are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth and gums and provide an accurate impression of the patient’s dental arches.
There are different types of bite trays available, including stock trays, which are preformed trays available in a range of sizes, and custom trays, which are individually fabricated to fit the unique contours of a patient’s mouth. Custom bite trays can be made using a variety of materials, including acrylics, vinyl polysiloxanes, and polyether materials.
Bite trays are used to take impressions for a variety of dental procedures, including the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and dentures. They are also used in orthodontic treatment planning to evaluate the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
To use a bite tray, the tray is first coated with a dental impression material and placed in the patient’s mouth. The patient will then be asked to bite down firmly on the tray for several seconds until the impression material sets. The tray is then removed, and the impression material is used to create a model of the patient’s teeth and gums.
Proper use of bite trays is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable dental impressions. Dental professionals will carefully select the appropriate type and size of bite tray and evaluate the impression for accuracy before proceeding with dental treatment.