## Common ground
All options describe tongue depressors made from different materials.
## Options at a glance
**3926 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from synthetic plastic, often disposable and lightweight.
- **Typical examples:** Single-use plastic tongue depressors used in clinics.
- **Best fit when:** Reusability isn’t needed and low cost or hygiene is key.
**4421.91,4421.99 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from natural wood, typically disposable and biodegradable.
- **Typical examples:** Traditional wooden tongue depressors used in medical exams.
- **Best fit when:** Standard clinical use, eco-friendly disposal, or cost-effective single-use.
**7017.90 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made from glass, reusable and sterilizable but fragile.
- **Typical examples:** Rare, specialized medical tools used in labs or research.
- **Best fit when:** Reusable equipment needed in sterile environments; not common for routine exams.
## Key differences
| Feature | Plastic (3926) | Wood (4421) | Glass (7017.90) |
|------------------|----------------|-------------|-----------------|
| Material | Synthetic plastic | Natural wood | Glass |
| Reusability | Low (disposable) | Low (disposable) | High (sterilizable) |
| Common use | Routine clinics | Standard exams | Specialized labs |
## How to choose
- Is it made of plastic? → 3926
- Is it made of wood? → 4421.91,4421.99
- Is it made of glass and used in sterile settings? → 7017.90
## Overlaps & pitfalls
Glass and wood both can be disposable, but glass is reusable—this distinction matters. Plastic and wood are both commonly disposable; the key difference is material type. If a product is labeled “disposable,” it likely fits plastic or wood. The main function (e.g., medical exam) applies to all, so prioritize material as the defining trait. No clear priority rule given—choose based on the product’s primary material