US20170319314A1 - Elastically Deformable Bite Fork Stabilizer and Associated Methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for stabilizing a bite fork in a patient's mouth. The apparatus may comprise an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer. The elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer may comprise an elastically deformable layer, an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer, and a removable layer adhered to the adhesive layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/693,575, filed on Jan. 26, 2010, and claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/182,169, filed on May 29, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
• This invention relates to the field of dental instruments and, more particularly, in one or more embodiments, to elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers and associated methods.
• The process used to relate the maxillary teeth as they exist in the patient to a mechanical jaw simulator includes the use of a bite fork. A bite fork generally provides a platform which allows an impressionable material to record the upper position of the teeth as they relate to the cranial base. In general, a bite fork may be, for example, a plate or tray in the general shape of a row of teeth. The bite fork generally includes an impressionable material that can be used to take an impression of a patient's teeth. In operation, the bite fork may be placed into a patient's mouth. After placement, the patient is instructed to bite down onto the bite fork such that an impression of the patient's teeth is formed in the impressionable material. To record an accurate relationship of the patient's teeth to the cranial base that can be transferred to the jaw simulator, the bite fork must remain stabile when the patient is biting down. However, there is currently no easy or effective way to stabilize the bite fork in the patient's mouth.
• Thus, there is a need for apparatus and methods that can stabilize the bite fork in the patient's mouth.
SUMMARY
• This invention relates to the field of dental instruments and, more particularly, in one or more embodiments, to elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers and associated methods.
• An embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for stabilizing a bite fork in a patient's mouth. The apparatus may comprise an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer. The elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer may comprise an elastically deformable layer, an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer, and a removable layer adhered to the adhesive layer.
• An embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for use in recording a maxillary-arch relationship of a patient's teeth. The apparatus may comprise a bite fork and an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to a bottom surface of the bite fork. The elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer may comprise an elastically deformable layer and an adhesive layer disposed between the elastically deformable layer and the bite fork.
• Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of stabilizing a bite fork. The method may comprise coupling an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer to a bottom surface of the bite fork. The elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer may comprise an elastically deformable layer and an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer. The method further may comprise placing the bite fork into a mouth.
• The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes or modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes and modifications are within the spirit of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These drawings illustrate certain aspects of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a side view that illustrates an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a top view that illustrates an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an alternate configuration of an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a view illustrating another alternate configuration of an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a view illustrating another alternate configuration of an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a view illustrating another alternate configuration of an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a view illustrating another alternate configuration of an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention,
• FIG. 11 is a close-up view illustrating an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer coupled to a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an alternate configuration of a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a view illustrating another alternate configuration of a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a view illustrating use of two or more elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is a view illustrating stacking of two or more elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIGS. 16-17 are views illustrating a dental impression pad in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is a top view illustrating use of two or more dental impression pads on a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 19 is a view illustrating removal of one or more portions of an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 20 is a view illustrating use of a bite fork to record a patient's maxillary-arch relationship in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 21 is a view illustrating use of a bite fork to transfer the recorded maxillary-arch relationship to a mechanical jaw simulator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• This invention relates to the field of dental instruments and, more particularly, in one or more embodiments, to elastically deformable bite fork stabilizers and associated methods. There may be several potential advantages to the methods and apparatus of the present invention, only some of which may be alluded to herein. One of the many potential advantages of the methods and apparatus of the present invention is that a bite fork may be stabilized in a patient's mouth. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, stabilization of the bite fork in the patient's mouth should allow for a more accurate relationship of the patient's teeth to the cranial base, thus allowing replication of the patient's particular situation to a jaw simulator.
• Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, an elastically deformablebite fork stabilizer10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In general, thebite fork stabilizer10 may be placed on a bottom side of a bite fork to hold a patient's teeth against the bite fork. As illustrated, thebite fork stabilizer10 may include an elasticallydeformable layer12, anadhesive layer14 on one side of the elasticallydeformable layer12, and a removableprotective layer16 on the opposite of theadhesive layer14 from the elasticallydeformable layer12. In the illustrated embodiment, thebite fork stabilizer10 is generally u-shaped having afirst leg18 and asecond leg20. As will be discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the present invention may include removing the removableprotective layer16 from thebite fork stabilizer10 and attaching thebite fork stabilizer10 to a bottom side of a bite fork. Theadhesive layer14 generally may adhere thebite fork stabilizer10 to the bite fork.
• While thebite fork stabilizer10 ofFIGS. 1-2 is illustrated as having a generally u-shaped pattern, it should be understood that thebite fork stabilizer10 may have a variety of different shapes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.FIGS. 3-7 illustrate abite fork stabilizer10 having a variety of different shapes that may be suitable for use in present embodiments. For example, thebite fork stabilizer10 may be configured in straight strips (FIG. 3), squares (FIG. 4), triangles (FIG. 5), circles (FIG. 6), elliptical sections (FIG. 7), or a variety of other patterns. It should be understood that thebite fork stabilizer10 of the embodiments ofFIGS. 3-7 may generally comprise an elasticallydeformable layer12, anadhesive layer14 on one side of the elastically deformable layer, and a removableprotective layer16 on the opposite of theadhesive layer14 from the elasticallydeformable layer12. It should be further understood that depending on the shape of the elasticallydeformable layer12 more than onebite fork stabilizer10 may be used for a particular application. For example, as discussed in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 14-15, two or morebite fork stabilizers10 in the shape of strips, squares, triangles, circles, and/or elliptical sections may be applied to a bite fork in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments (FIG. 15), two or morebite fork stabilizers10 may be stacked on a bite fork, for example, with theadhesive layer14 of one of thestabilizers10 coupled to the elasticallydeformable layer12 of another of thestabilizers10. In alternative embodiments (FIG. 14), two or morebite fork stabilizers10 may be spaced around the bottom surface of the bite fork.
• The elasticallydeformable layer12 is generally referred to herein as “elastically deformable” because deformation from the stress of a patient's bite is recoverable after the stress is removed. In other words, the elasticallydeformable layer12 should not permanently deform from the stress of a patient's bite. The elasticallydeformable layer12 may include any of a variety of elastically deformable materials, including, for example, foams. Examples of suitable foams include both open-cellular and closed-cellular foams. In one embodiment, the elastically deformable layer includes a polyethylene foam, such as a crosslinked polyethylene foam. An example of a suitable high-density crosslinked polyethylene foam is Qycell #T-30, available from Arlon Engineered Coated Products.
• The elasticallydeformable layer12 may be sized, for example, to avoid undesirably interfering with the patient's tongue when placed into a patient's mouth on a bite fork. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elasticallydeformable layer12 may have a variety of sizes suitable for use in the desired application. For example, the elasticallydeformable layer12 may have a variety of thicknesses (t), including, for example, in the range of from about 4 mm to about 13 mm and, more particularly, in the range of from about 6 mm to about 7 mm. By way of further example, the elasticallydeformable layer12 may have a variety of different widths (w1), including, for example, in the range of from about 3 mm to about 65 mm. Smaller widths of the elasticallydeformable layer12 may be particularly suited for embodiments where multiple bite fork stabilizers may be used in accordance with present invention. By way of further example, thefirst leg18 and thesecond leg20 of the elasticallydeformable layer12 may have widths (w2) in the range of from about 10 mm to about 30 mm. Additional embodiments may have a width (w2) of thefirst leg18 and thesecond leg20 in the range of from about 21 mm to about 27 mm and, alternatively, of about 15 to about 22 mm.
• Embodiments of the elastically deformable layerbite fork stabilizer10 further may include anadhesive layer14. In general, theadhesive layer14 should have sufficient adhesion to adhere thebite fork stabilizer10 to the bite fork in a desired position when used in the patient's mouth. However, the removableprotective layer16 should be readily removable from thebite fork stabilizer10 when ready for use, for example, by lifting theprotective layer16 away from thebite fork stabilizer10. In other words, theadhesive layer14 should not prevent removing of the removableprotective layer16 prior to use. In certain embodiments, when thebite fork stabilizer10 is formed, a surface of the elasticallydeformable layer12 may be coated with an adhesive to form theadhesive layer14. After application of the adhesive, the removableprotective layer16 may be placed over theadhesive layer14, for example. When thebite fork stabilizer10 is used, the removableprotective layer16 may be removed, and the surface of thebite fork stabilizer10 with the adhesive may be pressed against the bite fork. In one embodiment, a suitable adhesive is available in the form of rolls of Mylar® tape, precoated with an adhesive covered by a removableprotective layer16.
• Embodiments of the elastically deformablebite fork stabilizer10 also may include a removableprotective layer16. As described above, the removableprotective layer16 may be removed by lifting it away from thebite fork stabilizer10. Alternatively, for example, theprotective layer16 may be removed by lifting thebite fork stabilizer10 away from theprotective layer16. In certain embodiments, theprotective layer16 may be in the form of a sheet having two or morebite fork stabilizers10 arranged thereon.
• Referring now toFIGS. 8-11, abite fork22 having abite fork stabilizer10 disposed thereon is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 11 is a close-up view illustrating the attachment of thebite fork stabilizer10 to thebite fork22 taken alongcircle23. As illustrated, thebite fork22 may be in the general shape of a row of teeth. For example, the bite fork may be a U-shaped (or horseshoe-shaped) bite fork, as shown inFIGS. 8-9. As illustrated, thebite fork22 may, for example, include a base24 having afirst arm26 and asecond arm28 extending therefrom to give thebite fork22 the U-shape. Thebite fork22 also may include ahandle30 to support thebite fork22 during use. Thebite fork22 also may include atop surface32 and abottom surface34. In the illustrated embodiment, abite fork stabilizer10 is coupled (directly or indirectly) to thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22. In certain embodiments, theprotective layer16 may be removed from thebite fork stabilizer10, and the surface of thestabilizer10 with theadhesive layer14 may be pressed against thebite fork22 to adhere thebite fork stabilizer10 thereto.
• Referring now toFIG. 12, an alternate configuration of thebite fork22 is illustrated that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, thebite fork22 may include a base24 having afirst arm26 and asecond arm28. Thebite fork22 further may include ahandle30 for supporting thebite fork22. In the illustrated embodiment, thebite fork22 further includesholes36 that extend from thetop surface32 through thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, thebite fork stabilizer10 may be coupled to thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22 illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 12.
• FIG. 13 illustrates another configuration of abite fork22 that may be suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, thebite fork22 may include a base24 having afirst aim26 and asecond aim28. Thebite fork22 further may include ahandle30 for supporting thebite fork22. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase24 includesopenings38 that form teeth orprotrusions40 that extend from the base24 between thefirst arm26 and thesecond arm28. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, thebite fork stabilizer10 may be coupled to thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22 illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 13.
• Referring now toFIGS. 14-15, the use of two or morebite fork stabilizers10 is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that includes two or morebite fork stabilizers10 spaced around thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22.FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention that includes a firstbite fork stabilizer10aand a secondbite fork stabilizer10bon thebite fork22. As illustrated, theadhesive layer14aof the firstbite fork stabilizer10amay be coupled tobottom surface34 of thebite fork22. As further illustrated, theadhesive layer14bof the secondbite fork stabilizer10bmay be coupled to the elasticallydeformable layer12aof the firstbite fork stabilizer10a.
• Furthermore, thebite fork22 may be used in combination with an impressionable material. For example, an impressionable material may be disposed (directly or indirectly) on thetop surface32 of thebite fork22. In general, the impressionable material may be any of a variety of materials suitable for taking impressions of a patient's teeth. By way of example, an impressionable material may be used that is generally a solid at room or body temperature, is impressionable for use in the mouth at about 120°-140° F., and may be melted at elevated temperatures (approx. 200° F.). Examples of suitable impressionable materials include molding, modeling or denture compounds, zinc oxide eugenol paste, silicon, plastics, wax, self-cured or light-cured resin, combinations thereof, and the like. Some of these materials may be initially soft at room temperature and then may be cured to harden by application of heat, light, chemicals, etc. In general, the impressionable material may initially have a flat shape so that a clear impression of the patient's teeth may be taken when the patient bites down on thebite fork22.
• In certain embodiments, the impressionable material may be a wax (or other suitable impressionable material) that is hard at room temperature, but generally softens with increasing temperatures. By way example, the wax may be melted at an elevated temperature (e.g., approx. 200° F.) and placed onto thebite fork22. The material may then be allowed to cool to a temperature (e.g., approx. 120°-140° F.) where it is sufficiently soft to take an impression of a patient's teeth. After the impression is taken, the wax may be allowed to cool to room temperature where it hardens with the desired impression therein. The wax may be cooled, for example, by running water over thebite fork22.
• Referring now toFIGS. 16-18, adental impression pad42 is illustrated that may be used to apply animpressionable material44 to abite fork22 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, thedental impression pad42 may comprise abacking strip46, a mound or pad ofimpressionable material44 on one side of thebacking strip46, and an adhesive48 on another side of the backing strip. In certain embodiments, more than onedental impression pad42 may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to thetop surface32 of thebite fork22. Prior to use, a removable protective layer (not illustrated) may be disposed over the adhesive48. When thedental impression pad42 is used, the protective layer may be removed, and the surface of theimpression pad42 with the adhesive48 may be pressed against thebite fork22. In certain embodiments, glue or an adhesive may not be required to adhere theimpressionable material44 to thebacking strip46 as theimpressionable material44 generally should securely fasten to thebacking strip46 when the material is heated. However, in certain embodiments, a permanent adhesive may be used to couple theimpressionable material44 to thebacking strip46, if desired. While theimpression pad42 is illustrated as generally oval-shaped, other shapes may be used for the pad, including a U-shaped pattern, strips, circles, and/or squares.
• Embodiments of the elastically deformablebite fork stabilizers10 may be used to relate a patient's maxillary teeth to a mechanical jaw simulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The following is a non-limiting description of one example method for using an elastically deformablebit fork stabilizer10 in a dental procedure. It should be understood that, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, abite fork22 having animpressionable material44 may be placed into a patient's mouth and imprinted with the patient's maxillary teeth. In certain embodiments, theimpressionable material44 may then be cooled to maintain its shape. Thebite fork22 may then be dried off so that abite fork stabilizer10 may be coupled thereto. Prior to coupling thebite fork22 and bitefork stabilizer10, theprotective layer16 may be removed from thebite fork stabilizer10. Theadhesive layer14 of thebite fork stabilizer10 may then be pressed onto thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22. It should be understood that, depending, for example, on the shape and size of thebite fork stabilizer10, more than onebite fork stabilizer10 may be coupled to thebite fork22. Thebite fork22 may then be returned to the patient's mouth, and the maxillary teeth may be fitted into the imprints that were previously made. The patient may then be instructed to bite down on thebite fork stabilizer10 to hold thebite fork22 against the upper teeth. If needed for better stabilization, the thickness of the elasticallydeformable layer12 may then be modified, for example, to compensate for a patient's particular situation. Modification of the thickness may allow, for example, the patient to help control the mounting equipment (e.g., facebow, earbow, or hinge-axis mounting equipment), thereby allowing the operator to concentrate on proper alignment of this equipment. By way of example, the thickness of the elasticallydeformable layer12 may be cut to a smaller size. In other embodiments, two or more elastically deformablebite fork stabilizers10 may be stacked to provide a largerelastically deformable layer12. The shape of thebite fork stabilizer10 may also be modified, for example, by cutting off one or more portions of thestabilizer10, to compensative for a patient's particular situation. As illustrated byFIG. 19, one or more ends49 of thebite fork stabilizer10 may be cut off in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. After the relationship has been recorded, thebite fork22 may be removed from the patient's mouth. Thebite fork stabilizer10 may then be removed from thebottom surface34 of thebite fork22 and disposed of at this time.
• FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a method for use of an elastically deformablebite fork stabilizer10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 19, abite fork22 in combination with appropriate mounting equipment may be used to record the maxillary-arch relationship in a patient'smount50. In this process, abite fork stabilizer10 may be used to stabilize thebite fork22 in the patient'smouth50. Thebite fork22 may be mounted in the patient's mouth using, for example, a bite fork stemassembly52 and a facebow/earbow54. As illustrated, thehandle30 of thebite fork22 may be coupled to the bite fork stemassembly54 which is in turn coupled to the facebow/earbow54. While not illustrated, the facebow/earbow54 may be secured to the patient's head. After the relationship has been recorded, thebite fork22 may be removed from the patient'smouth50, and thebite fork22 may then be used to transfer the maxillary-arch relationship to a mechanical jaw simulator56 (or dental articulator.FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a mechanical jaw simulator56 (or dental articulator) to which the maxillary-arch relationship has been transferred. As illustrated, thebite fork22 may be coupled to the bite fork stemassembly54, which is in turn coupled to thejaw simulator56. The bite fork stemassembly54 may hold thebite fork22 against amaxilla model58.
• Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. While apparatus and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatus and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps.

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for use in recording a maxillary-arch relationship of a patient's teeth, comprising:

a bite fork; and

an impressionable material coupled to a top surface of the bite fork; and

a bite fork stabilizer that is elastically deformable and is coupled to a bottom surface of the bite fork, wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped having a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the bite fork stabilizer comprises:

an elastically deformable foam layer that is generally u-shaped and has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 13 mm; and

an adhesive layer disposed between the elastically deformable foam layer and the bite fork, wherein the adhesive layer comprises adhesive tape adhering the bite fork stabilizer to the bite fork.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the impressionable material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of a molding compound, a denture compound, a modeling compound, a zinc oxide eugenol paste, a silicon, a plastic, a wax, and a resin.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a dental impression pad is coupled to a top surface of the bite fork, wherein the dental impression pad comprises a backing strip, the impressionable material on one side of the backing strip, and an adhesive on another side of the backing strip.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elastically deformable foam layer comprises a polyethylene foam.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elastically deformable foam layer comprises an open cell foam.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a second bite fork stabilizer that is elastically deformable is coupled to the bite fork stabilizer coupled to the bottom surface of the bite fork.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein two or more additional bite fork stabilizers are spaced on the bottom surface of the bite fork.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first leg and the second leg each has a width in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

9. An apparatus for use in recording a maxillary-arch relationship of a patient's teeth, comprising:

a bite fork in the form of a plate in a general shape of a row of teeth; and

an impressionable material coupled to a top surface of the bite fork; and

a bite fork stabilizer that is elastically deformable and coupled to a bottom surface of the bite fork, wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped having a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the bite fork stabilizer consists of:

an elastically deformable foam layer that is generally u-shaped and has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 13 mm, wherein the elastically deformable layer comprises an open cell polyethylene foam; and

an adhesive layer disposed between the elastically deformable foam layer and the bite fork, wherein the adhesive layer comprises adhesive tape adhering the bite fork stabilizer to the bite fork.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the impressionable material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of a molding compound, a denture compound, a modeling compound, a zinc oxide eugenol paste, a silicon, a plastic, a wax, and a resin.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein a dental impression pad is coupled to a top surface of the bite fork, wherein the dental impression pad comprises a backing strip, the impressionable material on one side of the backing strip, and an adhesive on another side of the backing strip.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the first leg and the second leg each has a width in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

13. A method of stabilizing a bite fork, comprising:

coupling an impressionable material to a top surface of the bite fork coupling a bite fork stabilizer to a bottom surface of the bite fork, wherein the bite fork stabilizer is elastically deformable, wherein the bite fork stabilizer is generally u-shaped having a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the bite fork stabilizer comprises:

an elastically deformable foam layer that is generally u-shaped and has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 13 mm; and

an adhesive layer disposed between the elastically deformable foam layer and the bite fork, wherein the adhesive layer comprises adhesive tape adhering the bite fork stabilizer to the bite fork.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the bite fork is in the form of a plate in a general shape of a row of teeth.

15. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising coupling one or more additional bite fork stabilizers to the bite fork stabilizer coupled to the bite fork.

16. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising modifying the bite fork stabilizer prior to the step of coupling the bite fork stabilizer to the bottom surface the bite fork, wherein the modifying comprises removing one or more portions of the bite fork stabilizer.

17. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising instructing a patient to bite down on the bite fork.

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