Dental Waxes Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary use of dental wax in dentistry?

To polish teeth

To form patterns of appliances prior to casting (correct)

To coat dental instruments

To clean dental equipment

Which of the following is a natural source of dental wax?

Teflon

Polyethylene

Beeswax (correct)

Silicone

Why do dental waxes have a melting range instead of a specific melting point?

They are pure substances.

They are made only from synthetic materials.

They are solid at high temperatures.

They are mixtures of various wax types and additives. (correct)

What effect does temperature have on the flow of dental wax?

Flow increases as the melting range is approached. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if there is insufficient flow in dental wax during procedure?

Lack of details and increased internal stresses Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of dental wax is used for creating an inlay pattern?

Inlay wax Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of dental wax regarding thermal characteristics?

Low thermal conductivity Signup and view all the answers

Which is true about the dimensional change in dental wax compared to other dental materials?

It has greater thermal expansion and contraction. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature should dental wax maintain to avoid distortion?

Mouth temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of wax is used for creating the base of a gypsum model?

Boxing wax Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of sticky wax?

Aligning fractured pieces of dentures Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the physical properties of boxing wax?

It retains shape with minimum flow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following waxes is known for being slightly tacky at room temperature?

Utility wax Signup and view all the answers

Which wax is primarily colorful pink and aids in demonstrating gingival from denture?

Base plate wax Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after shaping the dental wax for a denture?

Invest it right away Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic allows dental wax to be molded easily without flaking?

Easy workability and adaptability Signup and view all the answers

What happens to dental wax when it is heated?

It expands. Signup and view all the answers

Which property of dental wax increases with higher temperatures?

Ductility Signup and view all the answers

Which type of wax is primarily used in the direct technique?

Type I medium wax Signup and view all the answers

What is a desirable property of dental wax?

Soften without flaking Signup and view all the answers

In the indirect technique for manipulating inlay pattern wax, what is the first step?

The die is lubricated. Signup and view all the answers

What could lead to wax distortion during the cooling process?

Non-uniform heating of the wax Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the compressive strength of dental waxes?

Lower than other dental materials Signup and view all the answers

Which type of wax is more frequently used by dentists for indirect techniques?

Type II soft wax Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dental Waxes

Dental waxes are thermoplastic materials, solid at room temperature, but melt into liquids without decomposition.
They have poor mechanical properties.
Primary use in dentistry is to form patterns of appliances before casting.

Sources of Natural Waxes

Plants: Carnauba wax
Insects: Bees wax
Minerals: Paraffin wax

Composition of Dental Waxes

Natural waxes are combined with synthetic waxes, gums, fats, oils, resins and coloring agents.

Classification of Dental Waxes

Processing waxes: Used to aid dental procedures (clinical and lab)
Pattern waxes: Used for constructing metal castings and denture bases
Impression waxes: Used to make impressions of the mouth

Physical Properties of Dental Waxes

Melting Range: Mixture of multiple waxes with individual melting points.
Flow: Increased flow as temperature approaches melting range.
Residual Stresses: Non-uniform heating causes stress, leading to distortion.
Dimensional Change: Coefficient of expansion and contraction is high, leading to inaccuracy in restorations.
Mechanical Properties: Low elastic modulus, proportional limit, and compressive strength.
Ductility: Increases with temperature and is higher in waxes with low melting points and wide melting ranges.

Pattern Waxes

Used in the construction of metal castings and denture bases.
Inlay waxes: Used to prepare wax patterns for inlays, crowns, and bridges.

Desirable Properties of Inlay Waxes

Not sticky to touch.
Low thermal expansion.
Completely burnable without leaving residue.
Appropriate melting ranges.
Soften without flaking.
Adequate flow to record cavity details.

Inlay Wax Types

Type I (Medium Wax): Used in direct technique, placed directly in the mouth.
Type II (Soft Wax): Used in indirect technique, melted on a die outside the mouth.

Wax Distortion (Inlay Wax)

Causes: Non-uniform heating, uneven pressure during cooling, carving.
Prevention: Minimal carving, invest immediately, use warm instruments, store in the fridge if needed.

Processing Waxes

Used to aid in dental procedures both clinically and in the laboratory.

Boxing Wax

Supplied in green or black sheets with a smooth glossy surface.
Properties: Easily manipulated, slightly tacky at room temperature.
Use: Forms a gypsum model with its base in one step.
Technique: Wrapping a strip around the impression to create a form for gypsum pouring.

Utility Wax

Also called periphery wax, supplied in orange or dark red ropes and sheets.
Properties: Adaptable and workable at room temperature, adhesive and tacky.
Use: Adapting the periphery of the impression for patient comfort.

Sticky Wax

Supplied in yellow or orange sticks.
Uses: Aligning fractured pieces of dentures or casts, fixing soldered components.
Properties: Adheres well to itself.

Casting Wax

Supplied as sheets and preformed shapes.
Use: Constructing the metal framework of partial and complete dentures.
Properties: Low flow at mouth temperature, high flow at higher temperatures, slight stickiness to maintain position on the cast.

Base Plate Wax

Supplied in sheets, typically pink in color.
Properties: No distortion at mouth temperature, no residue when heated or washed with hot water, easily molded.
Uses: Layering to create denture forms, occlusal bite registration, spacer in custom trays, waxing up trial dentures.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of dental waxes, including their composition, classification, and physical properties. You'll learn about the natural sources of various waxes and their specific uses in dentistry. Test your knowledge on the characteristics and applications of dental waxes.