A wax-up is a three-dimensional model of the mouth, which is taken from impressions, making it an exact replica of the patient’s teeth. This allows the dentist to see what procedures may be required and how it will look when it is finished. This is the most efficient way to achieve the best results as it allows the dentist to take their time on the wax-up, which helps ensure that the work will be aesthetically pleasing.
Obviously, aesthetics is vastly important in cosmetic work, however, functionality is equally important. This is where the wax-up comes into play as a dentist can perform procedures, such as veneers and crowns, without affecting the patient’s bite.
Another common use of the wax-up is to make temporary veneers, crowns, and bridges that will match perfectly to the final product. This way the patient can decide if they are happy with the look and feel of their new teeth before going forward with any procedures. Once the patient is happy with the wax-up, the final product can be created. A happy patient equals a happy dentist.
In short, the wax-up can be beneficial to both dentist and patient for the following reasons:
• To diagnose potential problems
• To identify the solutions
• To design tooth shapes and arch forms before treating a tooth
• To diagnose if and how worn teeth can be rebuilt
• To give the patient a better understanding of what can be achieved
• To fabricate a matrix from the wax-up, which will be used as a mold for the next step of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry: the provisional restorations