bite registration
A record of the occlusal relationship between the maxillary and mandibular arches, taken with a registrant material and used to mount casts on an articulator.
Full Definition
A bite registration (also called an occlusal record or interocclusal record) captures the three-dimensional relationship of the upper and lower teeth or edentulous ridges at a defined jaw position. Materials used include polyvinyl siloxane, zinc oxide–eugenol paste, and hard waxes. The record is forwarded to the dental laboratory with impressions or digital scans to ensure accurate articulator mounting. Editors must distinguish 'bite registration' from 'bite plane' (a clinical appliance) and from 'bite splint' (a therapeutic occlusal device). The term is hyphenated when used as an attributive adjective: 'bite-registration material.'
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate attributively ('bite-registration wafer') but leave open as a noun phrase ('the bite registration was forwarded'). Do not substitute 'bite plate,' which refers to an orthodontic appliance.
In Context
- "The laboratory received the polyvinyl siloxane bite registration along with the upper and lower impressions." — Laboratory Delivery Checklist
- "An incorrect bite registration led to premature contacts on the completed bridge that required occlusal adjustment." — Laboratory Complaint Record