b. Properties. For success in these procedures, the wax must have properties
which will enable very close adaptation to the prepared portions of the tooth to be
restored, must provide freedom from distortion, must permit detailed carving without
flaking or chipping, and must not leave excessive residue when it is removed from a
mold by burning. The wax should harden at body temperature, but soften at a
temperature low enough to permit it to be manipulated in a plastic state in the mouth
without injury to pulp or oral tissues. Its color should contrast with the colors of teeth
and oral tissues to facilitate carving, except that ivory wax is used to avoid risk of color
importance of certain qualities of these waxes, the ADA has developed certain
specifications with which an inlay wax must comply to be acceptable.
c. Usage. Inlay wax is available in blue, green, ivory, or deep purple sticks, in
preformed shapes for partial dentures, and in solidly packed cans. It is hard at room
temperatures and breaks if bent sharply. This wax remains hard at mouth temperature
and may be carved either in or out of the mouth. It is softened with dry heat or by
immersion in warm water until pliable.
3-6.
BASEPLATE WAX
a. General. Baseplate wax is used mainly for making occlusion rims and for
holding artificial teeth to baseplates during the fabrication of dentures.
b. Properties. Baseplate wax is composed mainly of beeswax, paraffin, and
coloring matter, which are mixed together, cast into blocks, and rolled into sheets. The
sheets are red or pink and are 3 inches wide and 6 inches long. Baseplate wax is
relatively hard and slightly brittle at room temperature, but becomes soft and pliable
when heated.
c. Usage. Baseplate wax must be capable of holding porcelain or acrylic teeth
in position both at normal room temperature and at mouth temperature.
d. Two Types. There are two types of baseplate wax, hard and medium, listed
in the Federal Supply Catalog. The hard type is suitable for use in warm climates, but
tends to crack and flake at low temperatures. The medium type is suitable for use at
low temperatures, but flows excessively at high temperatures.
3-7.
STICKY WAX
a. General. Sticky wax has many uses in a dental clinic and dental laboratory.
It holds broken pieces of a denture together and assembles components of fixed partial
dentures and wrought partial dentures in preparation for soldering.
MD0502
3-4