Best Bite Registration Materials

The correct bite position is clearly one of the most critical steps in restoring a case. Consequently, the bite registration protocol and choice of material are a continuous subject of discussion between our clients and us. When recording a bite for single crowns, or for bridges, there are a few crucial considerations. We recommend using rigid materials, avoiding ones that are rubbery with bounce that distort when articulated. Rigid materials provide a positive stop similar to that of natural teeth. It is equally important that bite materials not be brittle when set. This causes the bite to fall apart when trimmed, or after repeated use.  Three of our favorite materials are Futar Fast Bite - Kettenbach LP, Blu-Bite HP - Henry Schein Dental, Vanilla Bite – DenMat.


We suggest using small amounts of bite material in key areas, such as over the prepared teeth or edentulous areas, and where centric stops do not exist. Overuse of material can obscure the centric stops, making it difficult to confirm that the remaining teeth fully interdigitate. We find that clients who, after taking the bite registration, trim the bite down to an area just over the preparation and adjacent teeth, test in the mouth to confirm, experience the most consistent success with minimal occlusal adjustment.  When preparation involves the terminal tooth, or when multiple preparations exist, full arch impressions are highly recommended. This allows visual verification on the articulator via the contralateral side.

If you have made the leap to digital impressions, some systems offer an opportunity to digitally trim the bite. It is important that care is taken when trimming, and that a similar  method is used as described above, in order to achieve an accurate orientation of the casts.

When restoring a large case, where a patient is provisionalized and there is no natural tooth-to-tooth occlusion, bite tripodization is required to accurately capture the bite position. To maintain the newly established bite position, the provisional should be removed in small sections and bites recorded in these areas. This should be accomplished bilaterally and anteriorly, and again we suggest trimming and verifying the bite as previously explained.

We share these suggestions from our experience. By all means, if you are having great success we encourage you to maintain your current technique. Please contact us any time to discuss the best bite technique for your case.