College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
General Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in General Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Manufacturing Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Karla Carichner, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Current dental bite blocks, or mouth props, are typically manufactured in fixed sizes, and often result in patient discomfort, reduced procedural efficiency, and the need for dental offices to maintain multiple product sizes. This project sought to design, prototype, and validate an adjustable dental bite block capable of accommodating a wide range of patient mouth openings while maintaining comfort, structural integrity, sterilizability, and operator usability. Working in collaboration with Dr. Alan Latta, a practicing dentist in San Luis Obispo, the design process incorporated stakeholder feedback, patent and market research, engineering analysis, and iterative prototyping to develop a solution that addresses limitations of existing commercial bite block devices.
A systematic engineering design methodology was employed, including quality function deployment, concept generation, Pugh matrix evaluation, CAD, finite element analysis, additive manufacturing, and experimental testing. Multiple adjustable concepts were developed and evaluated before selecting the adjustable tooth as the final design. The prototype utilized a surgical guide resin structural core with a medical-grade silicone overmold to balance strength and patient comfort. Verification testing assessed adjustability, compression resistance, long-term compressive loading performance, slip resistance, autoclave durability, and sterility. Results demonstrated that the final prototype successfully accommodated the target mouth-opening range, withstood compressive loads exceeding expected clinical bite forces, maintained dimensional stability after sterilization cycles, and exhibited minimal deformation under sustained loading. The final design provides a reusable, adjustable, and manufacturable solution that improves patient comfort and clinical efficiency while satisfying the engineering requirements established by the project sponsor and relevant dental industry standards.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/873
Included in
Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons, Dental Materials Commons, Other Dentistry Commons, Other Materials Science and Engineering Commons