I-Corps: Translation Potential of a Biomechanics-Driven Optimization of Dental X-Ray Bite Blocks for Enhanced Patient Comfort

This I-Corps project is based on the development of a dental x-ray bite block designed to enhance patient comfort while maintaining accurate positioning during imaging. Conventional bite blocks may cause discomfort for some patients, particularly those with sensitive oral tissues or conditions that increase oral sensitivity. This technology applies advanced engineering design methods to improve the interaction between the device and oral soft tissues while maintaining clinical performance. Because dental radiographs are among the most common diagnostic procedures in oral healthcare, improving patient comfort has the potential to enhance the patient experience, reduce movement and repeat imaging, and encourage more consistent participation in preventive dental care. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of an engineering-designed dental x-ray bite block intended to improve patient comfort during intraoral imaging. This technology employs a finite element analysis (FEA)-driven computational framework for optimizing the geometry and material configuration to reduce localized soft tissue contact stresses. The technology applies computational contact mechanics and shape optimization to identify regions of high localized contact stress and generate contoured geometries that redistribute contact loading over a larger area. The bite block combines a rigid core to preserve the dimensional stability and positioning accuracy required for dental radiography with a compliant outer layer intended to reduce localized tissue loading. This may have broader applicability to other dental and medical devices where patient comfort and device usability are important considerations. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.