7
Evaluating “Records” from Impressions
After the impressions are carefully removed from the mouth and all excess impression material
removed from the facial surfaces of the dentures, the impressions are placed back into the mouth
and all aspects of the records are observed such as midline, vertical dimension, tooth positions,
planes of occlusion, esthetics, etc.
WHEN SIGNIGICANT CHANGES ARE NECESSARY— a wax pattern can be made in the dental office
or in the dental laboratory. A wax pattern is made and used similarly to a wax rim obtaining proper
vertical, tooth positions, planes of occlusion, and centric relations. When the wax pattern(s) is
fabricated in the dental office, the impression(s) is made, the wax pattern(s) is fabricated and all
patient records are obtained usually on the same sixty to ninety minute appointment.
WHEN MINOR CHANGES ARE NECESSARY— a wax pattern can be fabricated in the dental office
and used to obtain and verify all the records. Or alternatively, as is most commonly done, the
impression is boxed and a cast poured in the dental office. The containers are then sent to the
laboratory in a tightly sealed bag, along with the prescription, a bite registration, and the desired
mold and shade of the teeth. The laboratory can inject the pattern over a stabilized base and
provide a partial set-up (with the anterior teeth) or a complete set-up for the try-in on the second
appointment (Figure 7A, 7B).
Figure 7A: Partial Set-Up
Figure 7B: Complete Set-Up