Making a denture involves a series of precise steps performed by a dental laboratory technician, often based on impressions taken by a dentist. The provided steps outline the process for creating the denture appliance itself, into which the pre-manufactured denture teeth are set and secured.
Steps to Creating a Denture
The process transforms initial impressions into a functional and aesthetic dental prosthetic. Here are the key stages involved:
-
Make a Model.
- This crucial first step involves creating a three-dimensional reproduction of the patient's mouth. Using the impressions taken by the dentist, a dental technician pours plaster or stone material into the impression to create accurate positive models of the upper and lower jaws. These models serve as the blueprint for the entire denture fabrication process.
-
Place in Articulator.
- The plaster models are then mounted onto a mechanical device called an articulator. This device is designed to mimic the movements of the patient's jaw, ensuring that the denture teeth will meet and function correctly when the patient bites and chews. Accurate placement on the articulator is vital for proper bite alignment (occlusion).
-
Carve Wax.
- In this stage, a wax baseplate is formed over the model, simulating the future denture base. Artificial denture teeth are then carefully selected based on size, shape, and color, and meticulously arranged and set into the wax base. The technician shapes the surrounding wax to resemble natural gum tissue. This wax setup allows the dentist and patient to visualize the final denture and make adjustments before it's processed into the final material. The reference simply says "Carve Wax," but it primarily involves setting teeth into wax.
-
Set in Flask.
- Once the wax setup is approved, it is enclosed within a special metal container called a flask. The flask is filled with plaster or dental stone, which surrounds and supports the wax pattern and teeth.
-
Inject Acrylic.
- The flask undergoes processing. It is heated, which melts the wax. The molten wax is then flushed out, leaving behind a mold in the plaster. The pre-manufactured denture teeth remain embedded in the plaster mold in their correct positions. Heat-cured acrylic resin, the material used for the denture base, is then injected under pressure into the mold cavity, filling the space previously occupied by the wax.
-
Remove Plaster.
- After the acrylic resin has cured and hardened, the flask is carefully opened. The surrounding plaster is meticulously chipped or washed away to reveal the newly formed acrylic denture with the teeth permanently embedded within the base.
-
Trim and Polish.
- The denture is then trimmed to remove any excess acrylic material, particularly around the edges (the flanges). The entire surface is then carefully polished to achieve a smooth, comfortable, and aesthetic finish. A highly polished surface is also easier to keep clean.
-
All Finished.
- The denture has completed the laboratory fabrication process. After a final quality check, it is ready to be delivered to the dentist for fitting and adjustments in the patient's mouth.
This detailed process ensures that the denture is stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, providing a custom dental solution for the patient.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Make a Model | Create plaster molds from patient impressions. |
| Place in Articulator | Mount models on a device mimicking jaw movement. |
| Carve Wax | Set teeth in wax baseplate; shape wax to gums. |
| Set in Flask | Enclose wax setup and teeth in a metal container with plaster. |
| Inject Acrylic | Melt wax, flush out, inject acrylic resin into mold. |
| Remove Plaster | Open flask, carefully remove plaster to reveal acrylic denture. |
| Trim and Polish | Shape edges, remove excess material, and smooth surfaces. |
| All Finished | Final quality check; denture is ready. |
