What dental tool is used to shape or manipulate wax in the bite registration process?

The tool specifically designed for shaping or manipulating wax during the bite registration process is the wax knife. A wax knife is a heated instrument that enables precise control in molding wax to ensure accurate impressions of a patient's bite. This is crucial in creating dental restorations, as the accuracy of the bite registration significantly impacts the fit and functionality of prosthetic devices.

Other tools listed, such as pliers, would generally be used for gripping or holding materials rather than detailed shaping. Try-in prostheses are already formed items used to assess fit and aesthetics in a patient's mouth but are not for manipulation of material. Articulating paper is used to check occlusion and does not shape or manipulate wax; it solely helps in verifying how the teeth come together. Thus, the wax knife is the appropriate choice for this specific task in dental practice.