What does “Diagnostic wax-up” mean?
A diagnostic wax-up creates the planned tooth shape in wax or a similar material on a model. It is used to assess length, shape, and the bite and to communicate the planned restoration design.
What can I preview?
Examine changes in planned tooth length, arrangement/shape, and space in the model. Since this is a planning stage, it does not confirm all pronunciation and lip movements in the actual mouth.
How does it connect to the treatment process?
You can create a mock-up or production guide by referring to the wax-up. The model plan is checked in the actual mouth, any necessary corrections are made, and the final restoration is performed.
Is this the same as a mock-up?
Wax-up is mainly a plan form of a model, and mock-up is a way to temporarily experience that form in the mouth. Even when planning digitally, there is a separation between planning and reality-checking steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the wax-up color the final tooth color?
The wax color of the planned model does not indicate the color or transparency of the final prosthesis. Color is checked separately in the final material.
Is the final restoration always made exactly as shown in the wax-up?
The plan can be modified according to the results of tooth preparation, occlusion, and mouth confirmation. You will be explained what parts to check and when.
Questions needed to understand wax-up
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
What are you deciding now: length or color?
Explanation and evidenceDistinguish what can be assessed on the planning model from what needs to be checked at the final try-in.
Academy of Prosthodontics Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms - A choice suited to your condition
Is there a step to check the shape in the mouth?
Explanation and evidenceThe role of mock-up, temporary teeth, and final try-in will be explained in connection.
Cleveland Clinic · Dental Impressions
