Bite Mark Impression Lab
Name:
Materials:
Syrofoam plate
Permanent marker
Ruler
Impressionable materials
Plastic bag
Procedure: Part 1 – the impression
1. Get a Styrofoam plate, plastic bag and marker.
2. Put your name on the plate and carefully fold in half. (it helps to “score” the plate before folding)
3. On one half of the plate write Maxilla (top) and on the other Mandible (bottom). Be sure you line it up correctly
before you bite…
4. Bite the plate being carefully to bite hard enough to leave an impression but not hard enough to go through
5. Tape the plastic bag on top of the plate and use the marker to trace over your dental pattern in detail being as
accurate as possible. Label the MX and MB as well
6. Record your measurements of the width and depth for both jaws in centimeters. Note any unique characteristics
such as slanted teeth, unusual spacing, evidence of braces, etc..
Part 2 – the tasty testing
1. Obtain the 3 impressionable materials from the front. Do not eat the materials…yet…
2. Bite into the first material hard enough to leave an impression but not hard enough to go through
3. Record in your table a rating of the quality of the impression (poor, fair, good) along with any observations about
the print or qualities of the material (too hard/soft, thin, sticky, etc)
4. Repeat the test with the other materials and record your observations in the table
5. Place the circus peanut in your bag and write your identifying number on the bag (see the teacher)
6. Turn in the bag and plate on the front table and this paper in your box.
7. You may now eat the rest of your impressionable materials and clean up your area
Part 3 – the Challenge! To be done later…
Table 1 – Jaw Measurements
Jaw
Maxilla (top)
Mandible (bottom)
Width
Depth
Notes
Table 2 – Impressionable Materials
Material
Quality of print
Observations