What type of wax is commonly used in bite registration?

Base plate wax is commonly used in bite registration due to its specific properties that facilitate the precise capturing of occlusal relationships between opposing dental arches. This type of wax is particularly suitable for this purpose because it possesses a firm consistency when used at room temperature, allowing it to maintain shape and provide a stable record of the bite.

When bites are taken for denture fabrication or to establish occlusal planes, base plate wax can be softened by heat to make it pliable for molding to the contours of the teeth and gums, ensuring that an accurate bite registration can be achieved. After it cools, it holds the recorded position effectively, which is vital for creating accurate dental models.

In contrast, other types of waxes serve different functions. For example, alginate wax is not commonly recognized as it is generally non-existent; alginate is a material used for impressions rather than a wax. Modeling wax is used for various applications including carving and shaping, but it is not specifically designed for bite registration. Lastly, utility wax is more flexible and is typically used for forming custom trays or for other temporary purposes rather than for recording bites.