Modelling Wax

Achieving efficient prosthodontic workflows

There are many components within the prosthodontic workflow that can impact the success of outcomes achieved. These include everything from the clinician’s initial assessment and data capture to the skill of the technician, and all the techniques, technologies and products used along the way.
By optimising the process and delivering a prosthesis that is accurate, functional and aesthetic, patient satisfaction is maximised and both technician
and dentist benefit. 

Communication

In order to achieve the highest standards, collaboration between technician and dentist is crucial. Both parties need to understand how the other works in order to exchange the right amount of information for each particular case. A relationship needs to be formed, one based on mutual respect and that enables both individuals to perform their roles to the best of their abilities.

Communication is central to building this rapport and working together on cases. Conversations should be frank, open and honest, and they should occur regularly when first establishing a working relationship – as you become more familiar with each other, communication can become short-hand and less frequent without compromising quality of data exchanged. Teamwork is a big part of any prosthodontic case and all relevant team members must communicate effectively for the best outcomes.

Efficiency

For dental technicians, the products and materials used for the fabrication of prostheses can have a significant influence on the quality of the final solutions. This is not only relevant for the manufacture of permanent prostheses either – the try-in stage is perhaps even more important as it sets the precedence for the entire treatment process and patient experience.

There is nothing more frustrating for the technician, dentist and patient than excessive wax-ups and try-ins, with multiple and substantial changes or even remakes required. It is a waste of time, money and effort for the professional team and can create a poor patient experience, leading to their reduced satisfaction.

As such, maximising efficiency with careful planning and precise wax-ups will improve the process for all involved. Minor alterations are to be expected and the dentist should prepare the patient for this accordingly – but technicians today have access to the skills and products they need to minimise unnecessary adjustments.

Optimising models

Part of the planning process for prosthetic indications like denture
fabrications is the creation of a mock-up model. A good model helps to manage patient expectations, while providing essential information to the dentist and technician regarding function and aesthetics.

Where appropriate, the mock-up should recreate the harmony between hard and soft tissue for balanced aesthetics. 

While constructing the mock-up, precision is key. Any distortions of the wax models can lead to the unnecessary adjustments we have already alluded to, which are costly in terms of money and time. This can come down to the quality of the modelling wax used – the most effective wax will be stable to prevent distortions. This means no shrinking or expanding during the process to ensure that the teeth remain in the exact positions needed for the designed denture and promoting good
marginal fit.
A quality wax will also be easy to trim without flaking and should provide a good
finish once polished.

Kemdent Anutex Modelling Wax delivers in each of these areas. The market leader for modelling wax in the UK, it is unmatched in handling characteristics and features tightly controlled and consistent softening properties to optimise efficiency in the lab and eliminate the risk of flaking. It is also easy to trim and presents a smooth and glossy finish after gentle flaming.

Colin Butchart from Dorset Denture Clinic comments:

“Anutex Wax adapts to plaster models well when warmed over a Bunsen burner, without stretching or tearing. Having used Anutex for many years, I have always found it to boil out well, without leaving residue on the teeth. It also carves easily and leaves a smooth surface once it has been flamed. Once cold, it polishes to a high shine when rubbed with cotton wool under cold water. In addition, Kemdent’s customer service is very professional and products always arrive the following day after placement of an order.”

From start to finish

An accurate model makes it simpler for dentist and technician to deliver an exceptional final prosthesis that the patient will love. Enhancing efficiency of the process from start to finish with close collaboration and quality products provides a better experience for all involved.

For more information about Kemdent Anutex Modelling Wax, or any other market-leading solutions available, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256

Managing standards with quality lab materials

Business management has always been key to the long-term success of a dental laboratory. Like any type of company, it is crucial for lab owners to monitor everything from finances to daily operations, product stock and team training to ensure smooth workflows, maximum productivity and high quality standards.

Given the events of the past 18 months, it has never been more important to reduce inefficiencies and most laboratories have reviewed and improved their processes. Part of this has involved ensuring that technical protocols, products and materials are in place to support streamlined workflows and minimise the risk of remakes or returned products. As many dental labs continue to face challenging times, it is critical to do whatever possible to protect the future of your business.

Peter Smith, Elm Dental Laboratory, Wisbech and James Michael, Pinewood Dental Laboratory, Aberdeen, are just two of the technicians who have started using Anutex Eco within their Laboratories. This article highlights the features and benefits of the ideal modelling wax and why they believe Kemdent's Anutex Eco fulfills them all.

Using the right modelling wax can be the difference between your ability to provide your clients with the dentures they want and expect or not. It can also be the difference between a more relaxed working life for you, with real job satisfaction, or real frustration.

It is generally accepted that the properties of an ideal modelling wax are as follows:-

• High strength and rigidity at mouth temperature.
• Wide softening range above mouth temperature - ideally it should have a primary softening temperature of between 35°C and 41°C.
• Easily mouldable in the softened state, without flaking, cracking or tearing.
• Low thermal contraction.
• Easily carved at room temperature without flaking or chipping.
• Little change in properties on melting and re-solidification.
• Supplied in sheets of consistently reliable thickness - 1.5mm thickness is the industry average, which is the optimum thickness for the palate of the final denture.
• No residue on boiling out
• Appropriate colour - though this is a matter of opinion for both a Technician and Dentist.
• Good value for money.

If a modelling wax has the above thermal properties, it will remain stable so that it does not distort in the patient's mouth or during transport to and from the surgery. Whereas a seemingly less expensive wax which deforms at mouth temperature can end up costing you money in terms of lost time, for example readapting  inaccurate bite registrations or distorted wax try-ins etc. Other factors to consider are whether the teeth stay in place after the wax has cooled down. With less stable modelling waxes this is often not the case, resulting in more lost time. Similarly, are the teeth easy to reposition? This will be the case with more stable material, but not necessarily with others.

Another important quality is the modelling waxes response to pin-flaming and polishing afterwards. Premium quality waxes will pin-flame extremely well, taking on a very smooth appearance. This results in a high quality appearance. This results in a high quality finish, which can then be buffed up using cotton wool and cold water for enhancement, giving a brilliant mirror-like finish.

Associated Dental Products have been manufacturing their premium quality Anutex and Tenatex modelling wax since 1922. Now they have extended their range of modelling waxes with Anutex Eco and Tenatex Eco. These products were developed to offer a more ecologically-friendly alternative to their tried and trusted Anutex and Tenatex modelling wax ranges. They offer very similar handling and mechanical properties, but with much more ecologically-friendly manufacturing processes, processes that save over 30% of energy consumption.

How have they achieved this?

Modelling waxes are surprisingly expensive to manufacture because the process consumes a large amount of energy. However, Associated Dental Products Limited, Swindon, have been collaborating with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and the Improve Your Resource Efficiency Service (IYRE) to develop  more ecologically-friendly way of manufacturing modelling waxes. Utilising their wax manufacturing expertise and energy efficiency funding secured from the IYRE, the result has been the new  Anutex Eco and Tenatex ranges, which are believed to be the worlds first eco-friendly ranges of modelling waxes. Consuming 30% less energy to manufacture, they believe they are not only better for the worlds environment, but will also enable them to offer an even more competitively priced product range, whilst retaining the high standards of their market leading Anutex and Tenatex modelling waxes in terms of physical and handling properties.

What do your colleagues think?

Having evaluated Anutex Eco for several months, this is what Peter Smith and James Michael said about Anutex Eco.
Peter Smith said

" I started using Anutex Eco in June (2013), having previously used Anutex. I like Anutex because it is a smoother wax to use, warming easier than most other waxes. It is very easy to carve and not at all sticky to handle. I find that Anutex Eco is slightly softer and less rigid than Anutex, which I think is an extra advantage. It also softens at a slightly lower temperature, which is another benefit. I've been told by dentists that it is easier to heat the bite blocks, which saves them time. I also find it easier to mould and carve, which is another big advantage because of the time I save. However, the thermal contraction properties and consistency appear to be about the same, which means that there is no loss in stability and set-ups don't drift as the wax cools down, again saving me valuable Laboratory time and inconvenience. It also boils out cleanly, without leaving any residue. Finally, I really like the pink shade of the Anutex Eco, which is in fact virtually the same shade as the Anutex, because it is not too red, which I've heard some patients find disturbing because they think their final dentures will have the same unnatural appearance."

James Michael said

"I previously used to use Anutex (Blue Label), but started using Anutex Eco in June (2013). I find it is slightly softer, which I think could be a significant advantage in the winter, otherwise both products are very similar regarding the softening range of temperatures, mouldability, thermal contraction properties, consistency, thickness of sheets, boiling out properties and shade"

Click here for further information on Anutex Eco or Tenatex Eco or call 01793 770090

Published in Dental Lab Journal February 2014 

Martyn Young - Dental Laboratory Technician, demonstrates the properties of Anutex modelling wax sheets and bite blocks in the preparation of a trial set up