dental waxes

Question 1

what is inlay wax?

Answer 1

A specialized wax that can be applied to dies to form direct or indirect patterns for the lost wax technique used for casting metals or hot pressing of ceramics
May be softened over a flame or in hot water
Can be easily carved without chipping or flaking
ANSI/ADA Specification No. 4
Accuracy in duplicating structure is essential
Distortion should be minimized

Composition:
Natural waxes: eg. Paraffin, carnauba, and candelilla wax
Paraffin wax makes up 40 to 60 % of the concentration of inlay wax
Paraffin is derived from petroleum, and is composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons
Paraffin wax melts and solidifies over a temperature range

Question 2

what are the 6 desirable properties of inlay wax?

Answer 2

Desirable Properties:

1. Uniform when softened
2. Having a color that contrasts with the die material or prepared tooth
3. No flakiness when bent
4. Can be carved to a very thin layer
5. No residue left behind
6. Completely rigid and dimensionally stable

Question 3

how is the flow of inlay wax?

Answer 3

Flow:
Should exhibit plasticity at a temperature above that of the mouth cavity
Solidifies and melts over a temperature range
Does not solidify with a space lattice. Structure consists of crystalline and amorphous regions
ANSI/ADA Specification No. 4 provides the flow requirements

Question 4

what are the thermal properties of inlay wax?

Answer 4

Thermal Properties:
Low thermal conductivity; thus needs time to heat or cool uniformly
High coefficient of thermal expansion
Not all waxes are characterized with a glass transition temperature, Tg
Thermal dimensional change with cycling
Capacity for gas and solvent retention causing pronounced expansion on heating

Thermal dimensional change with cycling means that if you heat it and then cool it the volume for example won’t end up the exact same when you cool it down to the temperature you started with, it will be different.

Question 5

what is wax distortion with inlay wax?

Answer 5

Wax Distortion:
Results from thermal changes and the relaxation of stresses that are caused by contraction on cooling, occluded air, molding, carving, removal, as well as the time and temperature of storage
Exhibits an elastic memory

Question 6

what is manipulation of inlay wax?

Answer 6

Manipulation:
Dry heat is preferred to a water bath
Avoid overheating
Care should be exercised when removing the pattern
For indirect patterns, lubricate the die
Use the lowest temperature possible

Question 7

what are four other types of dental waxes?

Answer 7

Baseplate wax
Bite wax
Sticky wax
Boxing wax

Question 8

what is baseplate wax like and what is it for?

Answer 8

Provided in sheet form, and used to establish the initial arch form in the construction of complete dentures

Question 9

what is bite wax for?

Answer 9

Used to record the occlusal surfaces of teeth as an aid to establish maxillomandibular relationships

Question 10

what is sticky wax for?

Answer 10

Exhibits relatively good adhesion to dry, clean surfaces when heated to a plastic condition

Question 11

what is boxing wax for?

Answer 11

Provided in sheet form as a border at the perimeter of an impression to provide an enclosed boundary for the base of the cast to be made from a poured material such as gypsum or resin