Overview: This guide explains the step-by-step process to capture a protruding bite scan for a sleep apnea device to ensure proper alignment and device fit.
Prerequisites
A projection of the patient's therapeutic bite position.
A bite gauge, jig, or firm makeshift stabilization device.
Preparing the Therapeutic Bite
Positioning the Sleep Apnea Bite
Position the patient's jaw into the projected therapeutic bite position before starting the scan. Ensure the sleep apnea bite position remains consistent throughout the scanning process.
Establishing Bite Clearance
Maintain roughly 3mm of vertical clearance between the dental arches. Ensure a 5mm gap exists between the opposing anterior teeth to provide adequate space for the sleep apnea device.
Capturing the Intraoral Scan
Stabilizing the Jaw Position
Secure the jaw in the therapeutic bite position using a bite gauge, jig, or firm makeshift device. Stabilization prevents the jaw from shifting, which is critical for an accurate sleep apnea bite scan.
Performing the Bite Scan
Scan the bite on both the left and right sides of the patient's mouth. The bite scan must cover at least 3-4 teeth on each side to allow the software to achieve proper alignment.