Digital Flashcards – Dental Waxes

What are waxes?

Low-melting, high–molecular weight organic compounds, similar to fats/oils but lacking glycerides; can be natural or synthetic.

What are dental waxes used for?

Modeling crowns, inlays, denture bases, frameworks, recording jaw relations, lab procedures.

What are dental waxes usually made of?

Mixtures of two or more waxes + additives (resins, oils, fats, fatty acids).

What are the 3 main categories of dental waxes?

• Pattern Waxes (Inlay, Casting, Baseplate)

• Processing Waxes (Boxing, Utility, Sticky)

• Impression Waxes (Corrective, Bite)

What is the function of pattern waxes?

Used to form models of restorations or appliances.

What are the key qualities of pattern waxes?

Susceptible to thermal changes and warping/distortion if left standing.

Composition of inlay wax?

Paraffin, microcrystalline wax, ceresin, carnauba, candelilla, beeswax.

Types of inlay waxes?

• Type I: Direct patterns in the mouth; low flow; softens at safe temperatures; 70–90% flow at 45°C.

• Type II: Indirect patterns on a die; softer than Type I, greater flow; both prone to distortion.

What is casting wax used for?

Patterns for metallic frameworks of RPDs and similar structures. Must completely vaporize without residue.

What is baseplate wax used for?

Used on baseplate trays to establish vertical dimension, occlusal plane, and arch form in complete dentures. Pink color adds esthetics during trial stage.

Composition of baseplate wax?

• Paraffin or ceresin: 70–80%

• Beeswax: 12%

• Carnauba: 2.5%

• Natural/synthetic waxes: 3%

• Microcrystalline/synthetic resins: 5%

Types of baseplate wax?

• Type I: Soft – contour building, veneers

• Type II: Medium – tried in mouth

• Type III: Hard – comparable to Type I inlay wax

What is boxing wax used for?

To form a plaster/stone cast from an edentulous impression.

What is utility wax used for?

Tray extension, stabilization; soft, pliable, adhesive; composed of beeswax + petrolatum + soft waxes. Supplied as sticks/sheets (red/orange).

What is sticky wax used for?

To assemble metallic/resin pieces temporarily. Sticky when melted, brittle when set. Breaks if stressed.

What is corrective wax?

Wax veneer applied over an original impression to capture soft tissue detail. Made from beeswax in varying consistencies. Soft at mouth temp, rigid at room temp.

What is bite wax used for?

Records occlusal relationships; made from soft waxes/resins, used in bulk form.

What are common natural waxes?

• Mineral: Paraffin, microcrystalline, ceresin, montan

• Plant: Carnauba (leaves), candelilla, ouricuris

• Animal: Spermaceti

What are common synthetic waxes?

Acrowax, Aerosol OT, Flexowax C, Durawax 1032.

What are additives used in waxes?

Stearic acid, oils (turpentine, colorants), natural resins (rosin, copal, dammar), synthetic resins (polyethylene).

What is the melting range of waxes?

Waxes have a melting range, not a single point (e.g., Paraffin: 44–62°C; Carnauba: 50–90°C).

What happens to waxes with temperature changes?

Expansion with heat, contraction with cooling (high thermal expansion).

What are the mechanical properties of waxes?

Low elastic modulus, low compressive strength, easily deformed.

What is “flow” in waxes?

Plastic deformation depending on temperature, composition, load, and time of applied force.

What is residual stress in waxes?

Stress retained from manipulation; causes distortion over time/temperature.

What qualitative requirements are important in waxes?

Carvability, pliability, adaptability, adhesiveness (to other waxes), tackiness (to other materials).