- Specifically, at high jaw height, Bite Blocks 2–3 correspond to bilabials, labiodentals, alveolar fricatives/affricates, /r/, and high vowels (/I/, /e/, /u/).
- Similarly, for medium jaw height, Bite Blocks 4–5 correspond to interdentals, alveolar stops, /l/, and mid vowels (/ʌ/, /o/, /ɔ/, /ɛ/).
- Finally, at low jaw height, Bite Blocks 6–7 correspond to velars, /h/, and low vowels (/æ/, /ɑ/).
- As a result, matching the bite block to the jaw position required for each target sound builds the jaw stability foundation for accurate articulation.
- To learn the complete system, the 3-Part Treatment Plan for OPT™ course teaches the full Bite Block Hierarchy and how to integrate jaw grading with speech sound targets.
Reader Question About Bite Blocks
Understanding which speech sounds correspond to each bite block's jaw height is essential for using the TalkTools Bite Block Hierarchy effectively. In particular, this knowledge helps clinicians pair the right tool with the right sound target. Below, TalkTools Instructor Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP, COM® answers this common clinical question directly.
From the Community
“As an SLP who attended the 3-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy workshop, I would like to find out if there is a set of speech sounds corresponding to the jaw height for bite blocks. For example, Bite Block #7 corresponds to the “ah” vowel.”
Therapist Answer: Bite Blocks by Jaw Height
Answered by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP, COM® — TalkTools Instructor
Hi! My name is Monica Purdy and I am a TalkTools Instructor. I teach the mentioned course, and I’m happy to answer your questions regarding the sounds that go with the TalkTools Jaw Grading Bite Block set.
First, Bite Blocks 2 and 3 (high jaw position): m, b, p, f, v, n, s, z, sh, ch, and r. Correspondingly, the vowels at this high jaw position include /I/ (as in “big”), /e/ (as in “me”), and /u/ (as in “blue”).
Next, Bite Blocks 4 and 5 (medium jaw position): “th” (voiced and voiceless), l, t, and d. Similarly, the vowels for medium jaw height are /ʌ/ (as in “up”), /o/ (as in “go”), /ɔ/ (as in “ball”), and /ɛ/ (as in “bed”).
Finally, Bite Blocks 6 and 7 (low jaw position): g, k, and h. Likewise, the low jaw position pairs with /æ/ (as in “mad”) and /ɑ/ (as in “ahh”). I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Bite Blocks Jaw Height Reference Chart
To make clinical planning easier, use this quick-reference table when selecting speech sound targets with the TalkTools Bite Blocks Hierarchy. Simply match each sound to the bite block that positions the jaw at the correct height for that sound’s articulatory requirements. In addition, having this chart on hand during sessions helps ensure you are always selecting the right jaw height before drilling a target sound. Consequently, treatment becomes more efficient and targeted.
| Bite Blocks | Jaw Position | Consonants | Vowels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 & 3 | High | m, b, p, f, v, n, s, z, sh, ch, r | /I/ (big), /e/ (me), /u/ (blue) |
| 4 & 5 | Medium | th (voiced & voiceless), l, t, d | /ʌ/ (up), /o/ (go), /ɔ/ (ball), /ɛ/ (bed) |
| 6 & 7 | Low | g, k, h | /æ/ (mad), /ɑ/ (ahh) |
Why Bite Blocks Jaw Height Matters for Speech Sounds
In Oral Placement Therapy, jaw stability is the foundation upon which precise tongue and lip movements are built. Specifically, each speech sound requires the jaw to be graded to a specific height. In other words, it is not simply a matter of "open" or "closed." Rather, the jaw must reach a precise position to allow the tongue and lips to achieve their target placements efficiently and consistently.
Indeed, this is precisely where bite blocks prove their clinical value. By pairing a bite block with a target speech sound during practice, the client receives proprioceptive feedback that teaches the jaw exactly where it needs to be. Moreover, this feedback is consistent and repeatable, which accelerates motor learning across sessions. As a result, this approach builds the jaw-grading skill needed for automatic, accurate articulation.
For a broader overview of how bite blocks and bite tubes work together for jaw stability, see the Bite Tubes 101 guide. Furthermore, for ASHA’s clinical framework on speech sound disorders, visit their Articulation & Phonology Practice Portal.
Recommended TalkTools® Courses
The foundational OPT course where Monica teaches the complete Bite Block Hierarchy, jaw-lip-tongue dissociation, and how to integrate jaw grading with speech sound targets. ASHA & AOTA CEUs available.
Specifically, this set includes two sets of six graded bite blocks (positions 2–7) plus an instruction booklet. Notably, it is used for assessing and treating jaw stability, articulation, apraxia, dysarthria, and OMDs.
Monica Purdy’s course where she teaches the complete Bite Block Hierarchy — including exactly which sounds pair with which jaw height, how to build jaw-lip-tongue dissociation, and how to sequence OPT goals for speech and feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
TalkTools Jaw Grading Bite Blocks promote jaw stability at specific jaw heights. Specifically, by matching the bite block to the jaw position required for a target speech sound, clinicians build the jaw stability foundation needed for accurate articulation. As a result, clients develop more consistent and automatic speech production over time.
For /s/ and /z/, use Bite Blocks 2 and 3 (high jaw position). Since these sibilant sounds require a nearly closed jaw with precise tongue grading, the high jaw position provides the stability needed for accurate production.
For /k/ and /g/, use Bite Blocks 6 and 7 (low jaw position). Specifically, velar sounds require a lower, more open jaw position to allow the tongue dorsum to contact the velum. Moreover, this lower jaw height gives the back of the tongue the space it needs to move freely.
The 3-Part Treatment Plan for OPT™ course teaches the complete Bite Block Hierarchy and how to integrate jaw grading with speech sound targets in a systematic treatment plan. Additionally, the course covers jaw-lip-tongue dissociation and goal sequencing for both speech and feeding.