CONSTRUCTION BITE FOR AN
 ORTHOPEDIC CORRECTOR 2
 OR
 TWIN BLOCK APPLIANCE

1. While practicing without wax for the construction bite, have the patient reposition forward and close until 1.5  to 2 mm of space exists between the upper and lower first permanent molars.*  Examine how much space exists between the upper and lower central incisors, because you will want this same vertical opening when making the construction bite with wax.

2. Warm the wax in water heated to 139 degrees fahrenheit.

3. Fold the wax in half, then fold it in half again.  This gives you four layers of wax.

4. With scissors, cut the excess wax, so it will fit on the lower teeth.
   

5. Place the wax on the lower teeth. Have the patient reposition the mandible forward. Close until the desired vertical is achieved.

6. Remove the wax from the mouth. Chill it in cold water, and place the wax between the models

The George gauge has recently been developed to give more consistently perfect construction bites.  I highly recommend the George Gauge, developed by Dr. Peter George, Orthodontist from Hawaii.

*We also need a minimum of 5 mm space (vertical opening ) in the bicuspid region for the Twin Block.

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