Bite Blocks

Price range: $15.00 through $178.00

What is a bite block? Learn more

Professional-grade bite blocks designed to support jaw stability and promote independent tongue and lip movements during the assessment and treatment of persistent speech sound disorders. Made from medical-grade BioMed Resin produced in an FDA-registered facility, these durable tools are designed specifically for use by speech-language professionals under appropriate clinical supervision.

If you are interested in ordering a larger quantity than currently available, require shipping outside of Canada, or would like to schedule a pickup in Edmonton, Alberta, please contact Speech Restored Inc. to discuss available options.

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Small black rectangular pendant on thin cord
Bite Block resealable pouches with device
Close-up of open mouth with small microphone

Product Description

The bite blocks offered through Speech Restored are made using BioMed Resin, a high-quality, medical-grade material manufactured by Formlabs in their FDA-registered facility. Each bite block is individually packaged.

This material is produced under a strict Quality Management System certified to ISO 13485 standards and compliant with the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Every batch is created in a certified ISO Class 8 cleanroom by a team of skilled operators and quality assurance professionals.

Formlabs’ Medical Device Resins are both FDA-registered and CE marked, meeting international standards for safety, consistency, and performance.

Evidence-Based Tool

Originally introduced in 1978, bite blocks have a long history in speech-language pathology and continue to be used to facilitate accurate jaw positioning during speech assessment and treatment.

Research and clinical literature have described a variety of applications for bite blocks and similar jaw-stabilization techniques:

  • Van Riper (1978) noted that tooth props of various sizes can help a student assume an appropriate dental opening for speech production.
  • Dworkin (1978) suggested the use of a bite block in therapy to facilitate improved lingual-alveolar valving during speech production.
  • Crary (1993) described a bite block as a disruptor that alters habitual speech motor patterns, encouraging the speaker to develop alternative articulatory movement patterns to accomplish speech tasks.
  • Workinger (2005) discussed the use of a bite block to stabilize the jaw of a client with Cerebral Palsy, resulting in improved lip movement for the production of bilabial consonants.
  • Secord (2007) recommended the use of a gloved thumb or stacked tongue depressors as a temporary bite block when modeling speech sounds for children.
  • Marshalla (2006–2015) described using objects such as swizzle sticks, toothpicks, straws, or coffee stirrers to help clients actively stabilize the jaw and develop independent oral movements.
  • Hodge (2010) suggested that bite blocks can provide the tongue with the experience of moving independently from the jaw, improving control and precision for lingual-alveolar (/t, d, n, l/) and velar (/k, g, ŋ/) consonants.
  • Holtzman described the use of a 2- or 3-way mouth prop to support oral motor and speech activities.
  • Talk Tools® (2024) continues to include jaw-grading bite blocks as part of its oral placement therapy approach, reflecting the ongoing clinical use of jaw stabilization techniques.

Clinical Applications

Bite blocks may be used to:

  • Promote independent tongue movements separate from the jaw
  • Reduce excessive mandibular movement during speech
  • Increase awareness of tongue, lip, and jaw positioning
  • Facilitate more precise articulatory placement
  • Improve jaw stability during speech tasks
  • Support production of lingual-alveolar, velar, and bilabial consonants
  • Provide additional diagnostic information regarding oral motor and speech movement patterns
  • Offer an alternative intervention approach when traditional auditory discrimination and phonetic placement techniques have not been sufficient

For over four decades, bite blocks and jaw-stabilization techniques have been described in the speech-language pathology literature as tools to support assessment, motor learning, and speech production across a variety of clinical populations.

Why Use Bite Blocks in Speech Therapy?

Research has identified several clinical applications for bite blocks in the assessment and treatment of persistent speech sound disorders:

  • Providing an alternative treatment approach for clients with persistent speech sound errors when traditional auditory discrimination and phonetic placement methods have not been successful (Dworkin, 1978).
  • Supporting clients with excessive mandibular (jaw) movements by facilitating the development of more independent tongue movements.
  • Helping clients establish new speech movement patterns that are separate from habitual jaw movements.
  • Increasing awareness of tongue, lip, and jaw positioning and movement during speech production.
  • Facilitating improved lip movement and stability for bilabial sounds such as /p/, /b/, and /m/ (Workinger, 2005).
  • Serving as an additional diagnostic tool to help clinicians identify the contribution of jaw, lip, and tongue movements to speech production difficulties (Crary, 1993).

Safety Warning

  • Choking Hazard: The bite block is a small item that poses a significant choking risk. It must be used only as directed by a licensed SLP and under close supervision at all times.
  • Age Restriction: Not suitable for children under five (5) years of age.
  • Keep Away from Pets: The bite block must never be used near or accessible to pets.
  • Supervised Use Required: As the bite block is a choking hazard, adult supervision is required at all times during use.
  • Inspection Before Use: Visually inspect the bite block and string before each use to ensure they are intact and undamaged. Do not use it if cracked, damaged, or compromised in any way.
    • When used daily, the bite block typically requires replacement after 2–3 months. Replacement timelines may vary depending on frequency and manner of use.

Return Policy

Due to the personal and hygienic nature of the product, all bite block sales are final. No returns, exchanges, or refunds are permitted once the product has been purchased, opened or delivered.

Quantity Pack of 2 | Pack of 10 | Pack of 25

Bite Block Safety and Usage The Bite Block Legal Disclaimer outlines important safety and usage information for this speech therapy tool. It emphasizes the need for professional supervision, safe handling, and regular inspection before each use. Users and caregivers are responsible for following all safety precautions to ensure proper and effective application under the guidance of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.

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