Anterior bite planeresearched

Quick facts

Field	Value
ID	OA-0163
Type	occlusal
Category	occlusal
Fixed/removable	removable
Primary function	overbite reduction via posterior tooth eruption
Malocclusion target	deep overbite
Uses TADs	no

Overview

The anterior bite plane (or anterior bite plate) is a removable upper arch appliance with a flat acrylic shelf positioned so the lower anterior teeth contact it exclusively, leaving the posterior teeth disarticulated by 2–3 mm. This posterior disarticulation allows the posterior teeth and alveolar bone to erupt vertically, increasing the posterior vertical dimension and reducing the overbite. The mechanism relies on the principle that unopposed teeth continue to erupt until contact is established. For detailed research on mechanism, fabrication standards, and related products, see Bite plate (Bite plate).

The anterior bite plane is functionally identical to the bite plate (Bite plate) — the terms are used interchangeably in clinical practice. The distinction at CFL may reflect a slightly different acrylic coverage design or inclusion in a different product subgroup.

Design & fabrication

Components & materials

• PMMA acrylic bite shelf at upper anterior region
• Adams clasps on upper molars for retention
• Palatal acrylic base for stability
• Bite shelf height calibrated to 2–3 mm posterior disarticulation

Lab fabrication notes

See Bite plate for detailed fabrication notes. Key requirement: bite shelf must contact all lower anterior incisors evenly when articulated.

Common variants & modifications

• Simple bite plane: flat acrylic platform behind upper incisors;

passive deep-bite correction only

• Steep bite plane: more vertically angulated ramp; creates

stronger bite-jumping effect for deep-bite patients

• Bite plane + labial bow: standard Hawley retainer configuration

with bite plane added

• Bite plane + expansion screw: combined deep-bite and arch

development — common in growing patients

• Fixed anterior bite plate (Fixed bite plate): bonded composite or acrylic

bumpers on upper incisors; no patient removal

Sources

• [Bite Planes in Orthodontics — Proffit, Contemporary

Orthodontics 6th ed.](https://www.elsevier.com)

• [Anterior Bite Plate for Deep Bite Correction —

AJO-DO](https://www.ajodo.org)

• [Removable Bite Planes: Design and Use —

JCO](https://www.jco-online.com)

• [Bite Plane Mechanics — Isaacson, Muir & Reed, Removable Orthodontic

Appliances (Elsevier)](https://www.elsevier.com)

Research log

• 2026-06-10 — cross-referenced to OA-0162.