Wax-up and Mock-up

Aleksandra Drewniak

2024/12/29

The Wax-up and Mock-up procedure involves creating anatomical wax models based on bite registration and a treatment plan. Subsequently, the wax is replaced with a durable aesthetic material to replicate the articulation situation in the patient’s oral cavity.

 

WAX-UP

 

Before performing prosthetic work, it is important to check whether it will fit the oral cavity. This can be done through the creation of a trial variant. Initially, the specialist opts for a wax-up, which involves using laboratory wax to create an appropriate treatment method. This allows the patient to see a three-dimensional visualization of their teeth after the final work is placed. Wax-up is also necessary to choose the desired effect after the procedure. This stage involves determining the proportions, size, and shape of the teeth.

 

 

 

MOCK-UP

 

After completing the wax-up, it’s time for the mock-up. This is a temporary overlay created using a matrix filled with a special material, which is placed in the oral cavity. With this template, the specialist can assess the restorations, which not only need to look good but also support biting and chewing. This is an important process to avoid improper execution of the work, thereby preventing discomfort for the patient. The overlay is usually worn for several days. If the patient is fully satisfied with the “new smile,” the dentist removes the mock-up. The final work made of zirconia or porcelain will look exactly the same in terms of the shape and length of the teeth.

 

 

 

Thanks to the method involving wax-ups and mock-ups, both the patient, dentist, and dental technician have a precise picture of what the smile will look like after the transformation.