Articulating Paper for Dental Occlusion Diagnosis – Blue, Red, Straight, And Horseshoe Shapes

What is Articulating Paper?

Articulating paper is a diagnostic tool used in dentistry to check the occlusal relationship, i.e., how the upper and lower teeth come into contact with each other. By having patients bite on the colored paper, dentists can detect high spots, early contacts, and other occlusal discrepancies for proper adjustment.

Why Are There Blue and Red Colors? Do They Have Different Uses?

The different colors help indicate various stages or aspects of occlusion:

• Blue: Commonly used for initial occlusal contact checking. It offers strong contrast and is the most frequently used.

• Red: Often used after blue to confirm adjustments or secondary contact points. It helps distinguish between different bite stages.

• Other colors (black, green, pink, etc.): May be used for specific applications or based on personal preference.

Using different colors allows dentists to observe bite patterns more clearly and effectively during different phases of the examination.

What Are the Materials? How to Evaluate Quality?

Common materials include:

1. Paper-based articulating paper: Traditional type, cost-effective, good for basic use.

2. Plastic film (Mylar): Durable, resistant to tearing, ideal in moist environments.

3. Velvet-textured paper: Soft and adaptive, excellent for detailed bite analysis.

4. Articulating foil: Ultra-thin (8–12μm), suitable for high-precision occlusal marking.

How to identify high-quality articulating paper:

• Strong color transfer without smudging or fading

• Tear-resistant and non-fluffy edges

• Works well in both dry and moist environments

• Does not stick to teeth or soft tissues

• Even and vibrant color coating

Why Are There Straight and Horseshoe Shapes? What Are Their Uses?

• Straight strips: Versatile and easy to use, ideal for checking individual teeth or localized areas.

• Horseshoe (U-shape): Designed to match the dental arch, suitable for checking bilateral occlusal contact simultaneously.

Horseshoe-shaped papers are especially useful for full-mouth occlusal analysis.

Are the Colors Dyed? How to Judge Color Quality?

Yes, the color is coated on the surface of the paper using:

• Oil-based pigments

• Water-soluble colorants (suitable for wet oral environments)

• Microencapsulated inks (used in premium brands; darker with more pressure)

Good quality colorants should:

• Be stable and non-toxic

• Provide clear, sharp markings

• Not smear or transfer undesirably

• Not irritate soft tissues

Packaging Formats

• Booklet type (e.g., 50 strips/book)

• Boxed sets (multiple booklets per box)

• Sealed pouches (moisture-resistant)

Common Thickness and Dimensions

• Straight strips: 70×18 mm, 100×22 mm, 75×20 mm, etc.

• Horseshoe type: 108×19 mm, 110×20 mm, etc.

• Foil type thickness: 8–12μm

• Paper type thickness: 70–100μm

• Velvet or film type thickness: Around 60–80μm

Price Range

The price varies by material, thickness, brand, and packaging. The most suitable option depends on the clinical need and usage frequency.