Why does a dentist ask you to bite on colored paper?

If you’ve ever sat in the chair after a filling and been asked to “tap, tap, tap” on a strip of colored paper, you may have wondered what that’s for and whether the marks mean something is wrong. That strip is called articulating paper. It leaves marks where your upper and lower teeth touch, which helps your dentist check how a filling or crown fits into your bite.¹ The marks are a guide, not a verdict. 

What you'll learn in this article: 

• How articulating paper helps your dentist check your bite 

• What the colored marks can and can’t tell your dentist 

• Why a new filling or crown may need an adjustment 

• When to call if your bite still feels uncomfortable 

If your bite feels uncomfortable after a recent filling or crown, you don't have to wait and wonder. Schedule a dental exam with an Aspen Dental provider to have it checked. 

What is articulating paper used for? 

Articulating paper is a thin strip with a colored coating. When you bite on it, the coating transfers to the surfaces that make contact. Those marks give your dentist a way to locate contact points on natural teeth and restorations.¹

Think of the paper as a map. It helps your dentist see where to look more closely, but it doesn't make the diagnosis on its own. How your bite feels and what the rest of the exam shows still matter. 

Why does your dentist ask you to tap and slide? 

Those movements help your dentist look at your bite in different ways: 

• Tapping your teeth together: This marks contacts when you close into your usual bite. 

• Moving your jaw forward or sideways: This helps show which surfaces touch as your teeth move past each other.²

Follow the movements your dentist asks for, and let them know if anything hurts. You don't need to guess what the marks mean or try to produce a particular pattern. Your part is to bite as directed and explain what you're feeling. 

Why check your bite after a filling or crown? 

A new restoration needs to work with the teeth around it and the teeth opposite it. If a new filling doesn’t line up with your bite, chewing can hurt, and your dentist may be able to fix that by reshaping it. Your dentist may reshape the filling, smooth the surface and check your bite again.³ 

Colored marks only show where your teeth touch.¹ Your dentist decides whether anything needs to be adjusted, and you can ask them to show you what they plan to change and why. 

What can the colored bite marks tell your dentist? 

The marks are useful for finding contacts. They are not a reliable measurement of how much force each tooth carries.² A large mark doesn’t necessarily mean that tooth is taking the most pressure, and a small mark shouldn’t automatically be dismissed.¹ 

Paper thickness and moisture can affect the marks. The paper also doesn't record the order in which teeth touch. Your dentist cannot read an exact pressure level or contact sequence from the marks alone.² 

That's why the conversation matters, too. Saying “this tooth seems to touch before the others” or “it hurts when I chew on this side” gives your dentist information the paper cannot provide. 

Why does the dentist use red and blue paper? 

Some articulating paper has a different color on each side, so marks from your upper and lower teeth can be told apart.¹ Dentists can also use different colors to separate contacts from your regular bite from contacts made as your jaw moves.² 

Red and blue aren’t a universal code for “bad” and “good.” If you see both colors, it doesn’t mean one set of teeth has a problem. You can ask your dentist what each color represents during your check. 

What if your filling or crown still feels high? 

Once the numbness wears off, you may notice that your bite feels uneven. Contact your dental office if a restoration feels too high or uncomfortable when you chew. Describe the sensation and when it happens so your team can plan the follow-up. 

There are also other reasons for tooth pain after a filling. Other kinds of pain, such as throbbing or lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, can have causes inside the tooth that a bite adjustment won't fix.³ A check helps your dentist work out what's going on instead of assuming the filling simply needs polishing. 

If your bite doesn't feel right, schedule an examination with your local dental provider to discuss what you're noticing. 

Why does a dentist ask you to bite on colored paper? FAQs 

Why do I have to bite again after an adjustment? 

Your dentist needs to check the result of the change.³ A fresh set of marks helps them reassess the contacts rather than relying on the pattern from before the adjustment. There isn’t a set number of rounds that every patient needs. 

What should I say if my mouth is still numb? 

Tell your dentist you're having trouble judging how your bite feels. You don't need to say it feels normal if you aren't sure. If something feels different once sensation returns, let the office know so your dentist can reassess it. 

How is articulating paper different from digital bite analysis? 

Paper leaves visible contact marks. Some digital systems also record contact timing and relative force, adding information that paper cannot capture. The tools have different limitations, and there isn't one established best method for every situation.² Your dentist can explain whether additional testing would help with your particular concern. 

Sources 

¹ National Institutes of Health, The Open Dentistry Journal: “Determining a Relationship Between Applied Occlusal Load and Articulating Paper Mark Area.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2581523/ 

² National Institutes of Health, Journal of Clinical Medicine: “Insights into Occlusal Analysis: Articulating Paper versus Digital Devices.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11313013/ 

³ Cleveland Clinic: “Dental Fillings.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings