- Classification of dental
waxes:
- Pattern waxes: used
to create the shape of a
dental restoration or
appliance that will be
reproduced in a more
durable material.
Examples are inlay wax,
casting wax, and baseplate
wax.
- Processing waxes:
used to aid in the
fabrication of dental
prostheses or appliances.
Examples are boxing wax,
utility wax, and sticky
wax.
- Impression waxes:
used to record the shape
of oral tissues or teeth.
Examples are bite
registration wax and
correction wax.
- Composition and
properties of dental
waxes:
- Dental waxes are
mainly composed of
hydrocarbons, which are
chains of carbon atoms
linked to hydrogen atoms
or other radicals. They
may also contain other
ingredients such as oils,
fats, gums, resins,
synthetic waxes, and
dyes¹.
- The composition of
each type of wax varies
depending on its intended
use and desired
properties. Some
examples are:
- Inlay wax
contains paraffin wax
(40% to 60%),
carnauba wax (10% to
20%),
beeswax (5% to 10%),
ceresin wax (5% to 10%),
and resins (10% to 20%)².
It has a low flow (less
than 1%) at mouth
temperature and a high
melting range (62°C to
70°C)³. It is used for
direct or indirect patterns
for cast metal
restorations⁴.
- Casting wax:
contains paraffin wax
(40% to 60%),
beeswax (5% to 10%),
ceresin wax (5% to 10%),
and resins (20% to 30%)².
It has a moderate flow
(10% to 60%) at elevated
temperatures (35°C to
38°C) and a high melting
range (65°C to 75°C)³. It
is used for the pattern of
metallic framework for
removable partial
dentures⁴.
- Baseplate wax:
contains paraffin wax
or ceresin wax (75%),
carnauba wax (15%),
beeswax (5%), and oils
(5%)².
It has a high flow (more
than 50%) at mouth
temperature and a low
melting range (45°C to
50°C)³. It is used to
establish the initial arch
form in the construction
of complete dentures⁴.
- Boxing wax:
contains paraffin wax
(80%)
and microcrystalline wax
(20%)².
It has a low flow (less
than 1%) at room
temperature and a low
melting range (50°C to
55°C)³. It is used to box
an impression before
pouring a gypsum product⁴.
- Utility
tains paraffin wax (80%) a
nd beeswax (20%)².
It has a high flow (more
than 50%) at room
temperature and a low
melting range (50°C to
55°C)³. It is used to adapt
impression trays, build up
post-dam areas, and form
a bead or border on
impressions⁴.
- Sticky wax:
contains paraffin wax
(40%),
carnauba wax (30%),
rosin (15%), an
d gum dammar (15%)².
It has a low flow (less
than 1%) at room
temperature and a high
melting range (70°C to
80°C)³. It is used to hold
components together
before articulation⁴.
- Bite registration
wax
contains paraffin wax
(40%)
, carnauba wax (30%),
beeswax (20%), and
stearic acid (10%)²
. It has a low flow (less
than 1%) at mouth
temperature and a
moderate melting range
(55°C to 60°C)³. It is used
to record the occlusal
relationship of the teeth⁴.
- Correction wax:
contains paraffin wax
(40%),
beeswax (30%),
ceresin wax (20%),
and resins (10%)²
. It has a low flow (less
than 1%) at mouth
temperature and a
moderate melting range
(55°C to 60°C)³. It is used
to correct the defects or
distortions in impression
materials⁴.
