What Are The Differences between Dental Wax Blocks And Plaster Models

Dental wax blocks and plaster models each have their unique applications and characteristics in the field of dentistry, and there are obvious differences between them. The following is a detailed analysis of the differences between the two:

First, material composition and properties

Dental wax block

Main component: Composed of one or several substances mixed together, it has thermoplasticity similar to that of natural wax. The main components of commonly used dental waxes are paraffin wax, beeswax, ground wax and synthetic wax.

Property characteristics: Dental wax blocks have excellent plasticity and elasticity, and can be deformed by heating and stretching to adapt to teeth of different shapes. It also features easy operation, high temperature resistance, safety and hygiene, as well as a rich variety of colors.

Plaster model

Main components: Made by blending gypsum powder with water. Gypsum molds have low costs and are easy to modify, but their precision is not high enough and they are not durable. According to the different raw materials, gypsum molds can be classified into red gypsum molds, green gypsum molds and yellow gypsum molds, etc.

Property characteristics: Gypsum models require an appropriate setting time, generally 30 to 60 minutes is suitable. After solidification, the gypsum model has relatively high compressive strength and surface hardness, but its strength and hardness will decrease after absorbing moisture. In addition, during the solidification process of the gypsum model, there is volume expansion, which needs to be controlled to ensure accuracy.

Second, applications and functions

Dental wax block

Main applications: Dental wax blocks are mainly used for making dental models and restoring teeth. In the dental manufacturing process, it can be used to make models of dental crowns, dental Bridges, dental braces and other restorations, and meet the needs of patients by precisely adjusting the shape, size and color. In addition, dental wax blocks can also be used for the try-on of restorations to ensure the fit and appearance of the final restoration.

Functional features: Dental wax blocks, with their excellent plasticity and ease of operation, enable doctors to precisely create and adjust dental models, thereby achieving outstanding restoration results.

Plaster model

Main applications: In dentistry, plaster models are mainly used to make working models, such as removable partial denture working models, fixed denture working models, and full denture working models, etc. It is an important auxiliary tool in the process of oral restoration and orthodontic treatment.

Functional features: The plaster model, with its low cost and ease of modification, offers doctors a flexible way to create working models. However, due to its insufficiently high precision and lack of durability, the application of plaster models in high-end dental restoration and orthodontic treatment is somewhat limited.

Third, production and craftsmanship

Dental wax block

The production process: Usually, dental wax blocks need to be heated and softened, and then carved and shaped with special tools. After completion, the final dental model is obtained through a cooling and hardening process.

Process requirements: During the production process, the temperature needs to be well controlled to prevent the wax material from hardening or becoming brittle too much. Meanwhile, appropriate tools need to be used for fine engraving to ensure the accuracy and quality of the model.

Plaster model

The production process: First, gypsum powder needs to be mixed with water to form a paste, and then poured into the mold and waited for to solidify. After solidification, take out the gypsum model and carry out necessary trimming and grinding.

Process requirements: During the production process, it is necessary to control the water-powder ratio and stirring time well to prevent the gypsum from expanding and its strength from decreasing. At the same time, attention should be paid to the storage environment of the gypsum model to prevent moisture absorption and damage.