Denture Wax Contouring Quiz

Denture Wax Contouring and Technique Summary

• Upper denture wax periphery should be extended to maximum depth, fully rounded, and highly polished
• Labial waxing may be thickened to restore lost facial contour
• Festooning and cusped eminence should be provided, and gingival crests should be trimmed to the finished line
• Lower denture labial surface should be concave, peripheries fully rounded, and highly polished
• The lingual surface must face inwards and upwards, with the wax extended to cover the maximum area possible in the retromolar region
• Steps of waxing up artificial teeth include spot-luting the base plate, gingival trimming, shaping the trial denture flange, and polishing the wax surfaces
• The shape of the polished denture surface should aid retention by the mechanical directional forces of muscles and tissues
• Festooning methods include press on and drop on methods, both aiming to give the natural appearance of the outer surface as present in the patient's mouth
• Gingival margins are carved at a 45° angle to the tooth surface and should have a uniform thickness of 2.5 mm
• Stippling on the outer surface of the denture enhances natural appearance and improves stability, but may lead to food accumulation
• Common errors in festooning include making the interdental papilla too small, leading to food packing and difficulty in polishing the denture
• Carving of the work is followed by polishing, with excess wax on the tooth surface removed and the wax smoothened by gentle flaming using alcohol and immediate cooling in chilled water