Check Bites

A: It's used for protrusion check-bites, which relates to the condylar inclination in the articulator, and for lateral check-bites, which relate to Bennett Angle.

Q: How do I use it, or a similar wax product?

A: There are 8 wax plates for protrusive check-bites and 16 wax plates for lateral check- bites. The wax should be warmed in hot water. Take an incisal check-bite using the plate that has a cut-out in front, and lining up the incisal edges of the teeth with the cut-out. Have the patient bite down to make an impression in the wax. Use the wax plate with a cut out on the left side for a lateral check-bite on the left side of the mouth, and use the plate with a cut-out on the right to line up the teeth on the right- hand side of the mouth.

Place the protrusive wax bite on the lower model, replace the upper model. Turn the articulator upside down. Turn the condyle housing until there is no contact between the condyle ball and then back again until there is a "first contact". Then set the screw for the condylar inclination in that position. Do the same on the other side.

For the Bennett Angle, mount the models with the wax bite in between. Open the condyle boxes. Make the Bennett Angle adjustment on the opposite side of the canine contact that was registered in the wax. Turn the wall of the condyle housing until it hits the metal condyle ball and lock it.

Note: This works best in an arcon-type articulator, such as an AP or AR. However, if the doctor uses an AP or an AP and takes check-bites, and the lab uses a TS or a TR, the lab can match the condylar inclination and the Bennett Angle settings.