Wax rims

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Wax rims are a crucial component in the field of prosthodontics, the dental specialty concerned with the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth. Wax rims are primarily used during the denture fabrication process to establish proper occlusal relationships, vertical dimension, and aesthetic considerations such as lip support and smile line for patients requiring complete dentures or partial dentures.

Function and Importance

The primary function of wax rims is to aid in the accurate recording of the patient's maxillomandibular relationships. This is a critical step in denture fabrication, as it ensures that the final prosthesis will allow for proper function, including biting, chewing, and speaking, while also providing the desired aesthetic appearance. Wax rims are used as a base to support occlusal registration material or to arrange artificial teeth for try-in appointments.

Fabrication Process

Wax rims are typically fabricated by the dental technician in the laboratory. The process involves:

1. Selecting a preformed wax block or sheet of appropriate thickness.
2. Softening the wax by heating it slightly, making it malleable.
3. Adapting the softened wax onto a dental cast or a baseplate, which has been previously made to fit the patient's edentulous (toothless) ridge.
4. Shaping the wax to mimic the contours of the missing teeth and gums, creating a rim that approximates the height and width of the future denture teeth and provides an initial guide for the proper jaw relationship.

Clinical Application

During a clinical appointment, the dentist or prosthodontist will adjust the wax rims in the patient's mouth. This adjustment process may involve trimming or adding wax to achieve the correct occlusal plane, vertical dimension of occlusion, and centric relation. Once satisfactory, the wax rims can be used to make final impressions or to record the occlusal relationship, which will guide the placement of artificial teeth during the denture fabrication process.

Advantages

Wax rims are a simple yet effective tool in denture fabrication, offering several advantages:

• They are easily manipulated and adjusted to the patient's specific oral dimensions.
• Provide a visual and functional guide for the arrangement of artificial teeth.
• Facilitate the accurate recording of the patient's bite and jaw relationships.

Limitations

While wax rims are invaluable in the denture fabrication process, they do have limitations:

• They require skill and experience to adjust correctly.
• Being made of wax, they can be susceptible to deformation under heat or pressure, which can lead to inaccuracies if not handled carefully.

Conclusion

Wax rims play a pivotal role in the successful outcome of denture fabrication, ensuring that the final prosthesis is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Their use requires a combination of technical skill in the laboratory and clinical expertise during patient appointments, highlighting the collaborative effort between dental technicians and clinicians in prosthodontics.