title: The Leicester radiotherapy bite block: an aid to head and neck radiotherapy.
abstract: We describe the construction of a custom-made bite block to be used during external beam radiotherapy to the oral cavity. The bite block is made with standard maxillofacial prosthetic techniques and materials. The design allows accurate and reproducible positioning of the perioral tissues to aid planning of radiotherapy and treatment. The compressibility of this device improves comfort for the patient, while it is in use.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Unit, Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, Leicester, UK. maxfax@lri.org.uk
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hollows
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Hayter
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vasanthan
mesh_terms: D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008397:Masks; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D011482:Protective Devices; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*