What are mouth props used for?

1. Definition

Mouth Prop, also called bite block, is a wedge-shaped implement used in dentistry for dentists that cure patients by keeping their mouths open wide and steady during a dental procedure or during dental procedures where the patient is sedated.

It’s usually made of medical grade plastic, like PP. The mouth props can be available in various sizes, suitable for patients in different ages, from kids to adults. During oral care or dental procedure, patients need to use their back teeth to hold the props in place.

Before dentists start the procedure at one side of patent’s mouth, the mouth prop should be positioned between a patient's teeth at the other side. Thus, dentists can get a clear view of the teeth to be treated. Meanwhile, patients don’t need to be nervous or tired from keeping the mouth open by self-control, which is a challenge to the jaw muscles or will power. As is known to all, it’s very hard to prevent unconscious closure of the patient’s mouth and ensure treatment goes uninterrupted. That’s the reason why the mouth props are usually used under such circumstances.

The dental mouth prop is a common dental instrument in dentistry. With its help, it will be much easier for patients to maintain a clear space for easy examination or operations and keep them feel comfortable and safe. It helps the improvement of oral care and avoids potential incidents or injuries owing to the unconscious closure of patients after long dental treatment. 

2. Features

2.1 Ideal for Dental Treatment

The Open Wide Disposable Mouth Prop is ideal for dental treatment to keep the upper and lower arch open wide for a clear view and help dentists finish the treatment more easily. Create more room to complete certain dental procedures. It’s a simple but effective safety device used by many dental professionals.

It also helps patients relax during the dental procedure and comfortably open the mouth. It prevents the tongue from moving during the treatment, convenient for operating. Thus, no injury would occur.

Dentists can deliver precise treatment with comfort for all patients with the dental instruments, whatever type of dental procedure the patient requires.

The mouth prop is a useful aid to provide an efficient way to keep the mouth from closing without injuring the patient’s mouth, especially for patients who have difficulty in keeping their mouths open for long treatment procedures. The wedge-shaped head helps maintain oral access.

When bleach chemicals are used, dentists always find it’s hard for patients to stop the lower jaw from moving around. Then strong irritant bleaching chemicals can’t be avoided to be smeared onto to patient’s tongue or gums. But the use of mouth prop offers a perfect solution to this treatment problem.

2.2 Structure and Design

The mouth prop dental is designed in a trapezoid shape that easily fits into the oral cavity.

Besides, the sides of the mouth prop have a deep ridged groove that fits against the lower and upper dental arches. The ridged grooves can minimize the chances for slippage while dentists are performing the desired procedure.

Thus, good exposure to the opposite side of the oral cavity can be obtained for dental professionals.  

2.3 When to use

The mouth prop should be inserted into the patient’s mouth the proper position at the beginning of the dental procedure. Therefore, with a clear view inside the mouth, the dentists can start to handle the following dental procedures.

2.4 Safe and Comfortable

The mouth prop is designed to obtain the useful space inside a patient’s month.

Its smooth edge provides comfort and protects the patient’s tongue during oral treatment.

It’s easy to position the mouth prop. Once applied, it should be stable for the sake of safety.

Both dentists and patients benefit a lot from its use. The most important one is that it can relieve muscle fatigue and discomfort for patients, while dentists can focus on treatment under the circumstance of constant and adequate mouth opening.

2.5 Medical Grade

The mouth prop bite block is made of medical grade PP, providing a stable location for patients.

And the most commonly used reusable mouth prop is manufactured from a rubber compound.

Made of premium grade latex-free rubber with a fine satin finish, it reduces the risk of negative responses, to a large extent. 

2.6 Sterilizable or disposable.

Some mouth props can be autoclavable at 121 degrees Celsius. The comfortable and flexible silicone or plastic is resistant to high temperatures, simple, efficient and reusable.

After reuse for some time, they should be disposed for the sake of health and safety.

2.7 Multiple Colors

They are available in multiple colors, like green, blue, yellow, or any other customized color. Below are some manufactured by SKYCARE Company.

3. Mouth prop types

Usually, there’re 3 types, namely L, M, S type, fit for different patients.

In between the treatment, depending on patient variation, dentists need to judge which size to use and try first. If the chosen size is not fit for the patient, the present one should be taken out of the patient’s mouth and another proper one should be applied until the right size is taken. Luckily, the dentists can always find the right one at the first time.

Moreover, Mouth Props from some professional manufacturers are available in baby, child and adult sizes, to serve various patients and oral cavities. 

Mouth props are generally available as either a block type or a ratchet type. Although the ratchet type is adjustable, its size and cost are not that competitive.