Receiving a new set of dentures, whether full or partial, is a careful journey requiring multiple steps. Fabrication involves a close partnership between the patient, the dental professional, and the laboratory technician. Each stage builds upon the last, ensuring the final prosthetic is tailored precisely to the individual’s oral anatomy and aesthetic preferences. This methodical approach prevents errors and maximizes the comfort and function of the finished appliance.
Understanding the Purpose of the Wax Try-In
The wax try-in stage represents a temporary, non-functional prototype of the final denture. This model consists of prosthetic teeth set into a base of gum-colored wax, which is easily molded and adjusted. The primary function is to serve as a dress rehearsal, allowing for comprehensive evaluation before the denture is permanently processed. It is the last opportunity to make significant changes to the appearance and functional relationship of the teeth without incurring costly remakes.
The flexibility of the wax base means the dentist can easily reposition teeth, alter supporting contours, and adjust the bite. Once the patient and dentist approve this wax mock-up, the laboratory uses it as the definitive blueprint for creating the final, hard acrylic base. Approving the try-in locks in all aesthetic and functional decisions, making this appointment a highly focused session.
Factors That Determine the Number of Appointments
The number of wax try-in appointments can vary, but for conventional dentures, patients typically require between one and three sessions dedicated to this verification stage. Straightforward cases, where initial measurements are accurate and patient expectations are met, may require only a single approval visit. However, multiple appointments are often necessary to refine the fit and appearance, particularly for complex cases.
Case Complexity and Aesthetics
The complexity of the case is a significant variable; for instance, creating an immediate denture, which is placed immediately after tooth extraction, often involves a different protocol. Patient-specific aesthetic expectations also influence the number of visits, as achieving the perfect tooth shade, size, and alignment can take several iterations.
Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO)
A common reason for a second or third try-in is the need to adjust the bite registration, specifically the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO). If the initial VDO is incorrect, the teeth must be reset in the wax and re-evaluated to ensure the jaws close to a comfortable and functional position.
Critical Checks Performed During the Try-In
During the try-in appointment, the dental professional conducts a systematic evaluation of both the aesthetic and functional elements of the prototype.
Aesthetic Checks
The aesthetic check focuses on appearance, including:
- Verifying the midline alignment of the front teeth with the patient’s facial features.
- Confirming the tooth shade and size.
- Assessing the amount of tooth visible when the patient smiles and speaks to ensure proper lip support.
Functional Checks
Functional checks involve several evaluations:
- Evaluating the occlusal plane, ensuring it is level and parallel to the rest of the face.
- Verifying the VDO to confirm the correct resting length of the facial muscles, preventing a collapsed or strained appearance.
- Testing phonetics by having the patient speak specific sounds (e.g., “F,” “V,” and “S”) to ensure clear speech.
- Assessing the retention and stability of the trial base during functional movements.
Finalizing the Denture After Wax Approval
Once the wax try-in has been thoroughly evaluated and approved by both the patient and the dentist, the model is sent back to the dental laboratory for processing. This phase involves converting the temporary wax base into a rigid, permanent acrylic material. This transformation is achieved through a heat-curing process that replaces the wax with the final gum-colored acrylic, bonding it securely to the prosthetic teeth.
The final laboratory processing typically takes several days to a few weeks, after which the finished denture is ready for the final delivery appointment. After wax approval, changes to the aesthetics, such as tooth position or shade, are extremely difficult or impossible to make without restarting the entire fabrication process. Even after delivery, minor adjustments to the acrylic base are common to address pressure spots or slight discrepancies in the fit.