How to not ever adjust your occlusal splint again!
A step-by-step guide from Sparx Lab
The key is to capture an accurate open bite record for a bruxing appliance to eliminate the need to adjust your occlusal splint. This bite record needs to capture a consistent 2-3mm opening of the patients jaw to stop the labs using articulators to open bites as this is not the most accurate way. Using pink modelling wax (or putty works well too) to record an open bite of your patient is a fast and simple way to record this position. Keeping the front teeth visible helps monitor the opening and midline alignment without guesswork.
A good record should re-insert easily and reproduce the same contacts each time, giving the lab a precise, stable open bite for splint fabrication. This eliminates any large openings of the bite which can cause open anterior bites on insertion of your splint.
If you’re using an intra oral scanner the same method applies however you will just scan your “bite scan” with the wax or putting in the mouth so the lab receives a digital open record of your patient. This gives them sufficient space to create a splint in exactly that open space which results in you not needing to pick up a handpiece and adjust the occlusal surface.
Quick Guide: Capturing the Perfect Open Bite Record for Splints
The secret to avoiding chairside adjustments is a precise open bite record. Here’s how to do it:
1. Aim for 2–3mm opening
- This small, consistent opening is key.
- Stops the lab from “guessing” with articulators.
2. Use wax or putty
- Pink modelling wax or putty both work well.
- Make sure the front teeth stay visible so you can check opening and midline alignment.
3. Check for repeatable fit
- A good record should drop back in easily.
- Same contacts every time = accuracy for the lab.
4. Scanning workflow? Same rules apply
- Take your bite with wax/putty in place.
- Scan it so the lab gets a digital open bite record.
That’s it — quick, simple, and no handpiece adjustments needed.
Happy grinding!