* Reference : Walter Richardson, CDT, TE The Value of the Diagnostic Wax-up
http://thedawsonacademy.typepad.com/files/the-value-of-the-diagnostic-waxup.pdf Accesed Jan 30, 2014
Diagnostic Wax-Ups are a valuable tool for any smile makeover because they give the patient an accurate preview of how his or her finished case will look. With this technique, the lab removes the desired amount of tooth structure from the preoperative model and the restoration is waxed onto the patient's actual prepped teeth. This method accurately shows the patient, dentist and lab technician what is realistically attainable for the patient. The Diagnostic Wax-Up also helps many patients determine whether to pursue treatment because they can compare this waxed-up model to their existing smile. For this reason, all Diagnostic Wax-Ups are fabricated from white stone models with white wax to produce the most lifelike result possible
Services 1. Full-contour Wax-up
As the name implies, the full-contour wax-up is used when
improved esthetics and contours are included in the treatment plan. It
incorporates the same visualization process as the basic wax-up but uses more
wax. The full-contour wax-up is also used if missing teeth are involved and
implant placement determinants are necessary. Teeth are reduced enough to
allow the technician or laboratory assistant to establish proper tooth form and
function. In many instances, this is the wax-up of choice for large rehabilitation
cases. Judgment calls can be made during the analysis phase of the full-contour
wax-up when it is determined that finer details of the current situation are of
less value in the overall end result. Another advantage of the full-contour
wax-up is the ability to create functionally correct provisionals for the patient.
Services 2. Case Presentation Wax-up
The case presentation wax-up is generally requested to show the patient the end result of the personalized treatment plan: when done well, this wax-up is very impressive. In order to create this type of wax-up, the teeth are prepared on the model as they would be in the mouth. Then wax is built-up to proper contour and function. Often pink baseplate wax is added to the tissue areas to complete the visual effect for the patient. The case presentation wax-up is the least diagnostic of all wax-ups, unless done in tandem with a basic diagnostic wax-up. It is as the name implies-for case presentation and therefore patient acceptance. Although not common, provisionals can also be generated from this type of wax-up, provided the pink wax has not been added to the tissue areas. The case presentation wax-up requires much more skill and time from the technician or laboratory assistant, which is reflected in the cost.