DM I Lesson VII: Dental Waxes Composition: Blends of natural and synthetic waxes Fatty acids, oil, gum and resins Pigments of various types Natural waxes include: Paraffin Carnauba Beeswax

Categories of Waxes Pattern Processing Impression Used to construct a wax replica for a cast restoration Processing Used to adapt different appliances, helps in completing other tasks Impression Used to record relationship between upper and lower jaw (bite registration); preliminary edentulous impressions

Types of Pattern Waxes Inlay wax Is supplied usually as sticks; blue in color Used to create patterns for inlays, onlays, crowns, abutments and pontics

Types of Pattern Waxes Casting wax Baseplate wax Is supplied usually in thin green sheets Used to create patterns to produce partial denture and bridge attachments Baseplate wax Can be supplied in sheets, sticks, pre-formed arches; usually pink or red Used to create patterns to produce base for full and partial dentures VDO- vertical dimension of occlusion being established with baseplate bite rim

Types of Processing Waxes Utility wax (AKA- periphery, beading and orthodontic) Soft at room temperature Available in many different colors (white, blue, green, red etc…) Supplied in rope form Used to extend stock tray; prevent overseating of alginate impression; build up broken tooth for impression; protect gums from sharp wires Boxing wax Supplied in narrow sheets (looks like fruit rollups); usually red Used generally with beading wax to form base when pouring impressions

Processing Wax Beading wax Sticky wax Baseplate wax Supplied in square rope form; dark color; harder than utility wax Used inside of boxing wax when forming base for pouring Sticky wax Supplied in sticks, lumps, cans and cakes; yellow or orange color Needs to be heated by flame or hot instrument in order to be used Temporarily holds things together Baseplate wax Used in fabrication of custom tray to make space for impression material (called wax relief or wax spacer)

Types of Impression Waxes Baseplate wax Used to record biting relationship of upper and lower jaw Wax is softened under hot running water Full arch, quadrant or just a few teeth can be taken Aluwax Supplied in sheets, pre-formed arches and scored sheets; usually green Softened in warm water Used primarily to record bites during fabrication of partial denture

Impression Waxes Occlusal Indicator wax Impression compound Supplied in small scored sheets usually green color; may contain small metal filings for strength Used to check bite when fabricating crowns and bridges Impression compound Supplied in wafers, plates, sheets, sticks and cones Requires water bath or flame to soften Wafer shapes used to take preliminary impression of edentulous arch Sticks used to take single copper band impression or border mold custom tray prior to final elastomer impression Border molding with impression compound on a custom tray Impression Compound