Wax Technology

Taking into account individual working methods, the application of wax is only possible in a relatively small temperature/utilization corridor. The following three examples are intended to show the methods dental technicians use to achieve this processing range as well as the consequences.

Wax Application Methods in Use: 3 Examples

1. Crown and Bridge Technique Using a Bunsen Burner

A Bunsen burner is first heated to approximately 500°C. The temperature zones of a Bunsen burner range between 500°C and 1,500°C (933°F and 2,735°F). One disadvantage of this is that, despite the intuitive movement sequence, frequent repetition requires a significant amount of effort and time. Another is that the working temperature used is subject to great fluctuations.

Next, the instrument is moved to the wax. The temperature drops this time to approximately 300°C – 400°C (573°F – 753°F).

When the instrument is inserted into the wax, the very high energy is released into the cold wax. The wax temperature is approximately 150°C – 300°C (302°F – 573°F). A disadvantage is that the wax overheats (burns), and the instrument cools down. Sometimes the instrument cools so much that it must be held in the flame again.

Finally, the instrument is moved with the wax to the pattern. The disadvantages are that the excessively high temperature results in high shrinkage of the wax, and high fluctuations in temperature produce stresses in the wax pattern.

2. Crown and Bridge Technique Using an Electric Wax Knife and Cold Wax That Has Not Been Preheated

Using cold wax that has not been preheated, the electric wax knife is first inserted into the wax using the pre-set, uniform temperature. One advantage is that a separate heating stage is no longer required. Also, the triangular movement from Example 1 (Bunsen burner, then wax, then crown) becomes a linear movement—wax then crown. This offers a 30% savings in time for the dental technician. The disadvantage is that to be able to melt the cold wax more quickly, a much higher temperature than 120°C (248°F) is also often selected.

Next, the electric wax knife is moved to the pattern with a constant temperature. An advantage is that there are no stresses in the wax pattern. However, if the setting is above the utilization corridor, the wax then overheats, resulting in unnecessary shrinkage.

3. Crown and Bridge Technique Using an Electric Wax Knife and the Vario E Wax Pre-Heating Unit

The electric wax knife and the wax, which has been heated in the Vario E, always have the optimal working temperature. There is no need to separately heat the instrument or melt the wax, which saves 50% of the time. Also, it does not entail burning the wax ingredients or loading the sculpting tip when inserting the knife into the wax.

Next, the wax is always moved to the pattern at a constant temperature. The risks caused by temperature fluctuations and their consequences are completely eliminated. There are no stresses, virtually no shrinkage, and no cooling during processing. One disadvantage is that, if the setting is above the utilization corridor, the wax overheats, resulting in unnecessary shrinkage.

The timesaving and working convenience of this option are significantly more marked in partial and full denture prosthetics. With the creamy wax consistency achieved by warming the wax in the Waxprofi and use of the large wax knife tip in the electric wax knife, it is extremely easy to apply large amounts of wax.

The advantage of this is a 70% savings in time. Of course, each product in this system can also be used independently of the others.

For more information, contact:
Renfert USA
P 630-762-1803
W renfert.com

Disclaimer: The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.