Diagnostic Wax-up
Diagnostic Wax-ups are a valuable tool for any smile makeover because they give the patient an accurate preview of how their finished case will look. With this technique, our technicians are able to remove the desired amount of tooth structure from the preoperative model and the restoration is waxed onto the patient’s actual prepped teeth. This process helps many patients determine if they’ll pursue treatment by comparing this Wax-up model to their existing smile.
Diagnostic wax-up is waxing of intended restorative contours on dental casts for evaluation and planning restorations.
It is important to diagnose available space and occlusion for either the implant-supported single-tooth restoration or a fixed denture. Diagnostic wax-up will enhance the predictability of the treatment. This tool provides important diagnostic information that will indicate whether a specific treatment is appropriate. It also assists in the selection of a proper restoration method and may indicate the need for orthodontic treatment or pre-prosthetic surgery. The diagnostic casts and wax-up can assist in estimating the amount of restorative space available and point out any need for treatment in the opposing arch to obtain such space. It can help in evaluating the planned occlusal scheme and indicate which modifications are needed in the remaining dentition. Additionally, the diagnostic wax-up can be used as a means of communication between the clinician, the technician, and the patient.
Guides, stents, templates and matrices can be made on the diagnostic wax-up to aid in performing surgical and restorative procedures.