The Freebite solid is designed with a similar shape as the FreeBite air and gel, but it is avaulable only in one version. It has no shell, but rather two bite rims manufactures from a special reversible thermoplastic compound which are connected by a thin nickel-free wire which allows it to be easily adjusted to any arch form with mere finger pressure.
The compound softens above 60°C and hardens completely at mouth temperature. It can be re-softened by re-heatiung as often as needed and will set hard again upon cooling. Immersing the FreeBite solid into cold water will speed up this process significantly. After setting, the FreeBite solid provides a hard occlusal contact similar to that on natural teeth which enables the patient to identify even minimal prematurities. For best results, try this guideline and depart from it only after you have become comfortable with the procedure:
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Adjust the wire so that the lateral biterims align with the lower dental arch.
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Bring water to a boil and pour into a FreeBite thermal cup or regular cup.
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Hold the FreeBite solid with pincers in the middle of the wire and immerse it with the bite rims downward into the hot water.
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After 6-10 seconds an outer layer of a few millimeters should have become clear and soft. Do not overheat the bite rims as the compound will start to flow off the wire.
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Remove the FreeBite solid from the hot water and hold with bite rims down for a few seconds until they have cooled sufficiently to touch. Do not hold horizontally as this may cause the biterims ro rotate on the wire.
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Place the biterims on the lower teeth immediately behind the canined and adapt lightly to the buccal and lingual of the lower teeth.
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The bite registration can now either be taken freely by slightly opening the mouth and dropping the jaw loosely into the softened compound, by using the FreeBite Registration Set, or by any other method.
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Carefully lift the biterims off the teeth as soon as they have cooled sufficiently to no longer stick in order to avoid engaging untercuts. Insulate acryllic dentures or fillings with vaseline.
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The patient can now tap his teeth onto the bite rims and will notice a stronger resistance as the compound cools and hardens. Small prematurities can usually be levelled at this stage by biting onto them.
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Re-heat the compound as needed: Immersing the FreeBite solid into hot water for 1-2 seconds will only soften a very thin layer and is best for reducing minimal prematurities. Immersing the FreeBite solid for 3-5 seconds will soften a layer sufficiently thick to allow lowering the bite by biting somewhat deeper into the compound. It is also possible to provide special support to an arthrotic TMJ by softening only the contralateral bite rim for 3-5 seconds in hot water. If the patient taps his teeth again on the FreeBite solid, the hard side will support the unstable TMJ while the soft side will mold itself in such a fashion that bilateral contact with special support on one side will result.
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The patient can wear the FreeBite solid as an immetiate bite splint in order to test the bite before mounting dental casts. You may need to reduce the upper surface somewhat to provide some freedom of movement. This is best done with a sharp and not too fine burr which produces as little heat as possible.
Wehen mounting dental casts, the hard surface of the FreeBite solid will provide a positive and precise position of the opposing cast. Cast errors can be discovered at this stage when the FreeBite solid fits accurately on the patient's teeth, but not on the dental cast.
The FreeBite solid is made of medically safe thermoplastic material and is seamlessly formed. In addition to the FreeBite, the delivery includes a flat plastic storage box. The FreeBite is hygienically sealed. Exchange or return is not possible when the seal is opened for hygienic reasons.
We strongly recommend the information on the FreeBite System provided on www.freebite.eu. Here you will find an overview, Information on selection and usage, as well as articles about bite registration techniques for TMJ-patients or about how to efficiently relax chewing muscles with the FreeBite and much more.
