What's the difference between a dental wax block and a plaster model

Dental wax blocks and plaster models each have their own unique applications and characteristics in the dental field, and there are obvious differences between them. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

First, material composition and properties

Dental wax block:

Main composition: A mixture of one or several substances with a thermoplastic quality similar to natural wax. The main components of commonly used dental wax are paraffin wax, beeswax, floor wax and synthetic wax.

Properties: Dental wax blocks have good plasticity and elasticity, and can be deformed by heating and stretching to adapt to different shapes of teeth. It also has the characteristics of easy operation, high temperature resistance, safety and health, and rich color.

Plaster model:

Main ingredients: gypsum powder mixed with water. Plaster molds are low cost and easy to modify, but the accuracy is not high enough and they are not durable. According to the different raw materials, gypsum mold can be divided into red gypsum mold, green gypsum mold and yellow gypsum mold.

Characteristics: Gypsum model requires appropriate solidification time, generally 30-60 minutes is appropriate. After solidification, the plaster model has high compressive strength and surface hardness, but the strength and hardness will decrease after moisture absorption. In addition, the gypsum model has volume expansion during solidification, which needs to be controlled to ensure accuracy.

Second, application and function

Dental wax block:

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

Functional features: The dental wax block, through its good plasticity and ease of operation, allows doctors to accurately make and adjust dental models, so as to achieve excellent repair results.

Plaster model:

Main application: Gypsum model is mainly used in dentistry to make working models, such as removable partial denture working model, fixed denture working model and full denture working model. It is an important auxiliary tool in the process of dental repair and orthodontic treatment.

Functional features: Plaster models, through their low cost and ease of modification, provide doctors with a flexible way to make working models. However, due to its accuracy is not high enough and not durable characteristics, the application of plaster models in high-end dental restoration and orthodontic treatment is limited.

Third, production and technology

Dental wax block:

Production process: It is usually necessary to soften the dental wax block with heat, and then use special tools to carve and shape. After completion, the final dental model is obtained through a cooling and hardening process.

Process requirements: The temperature needs to be controlled during the production process to prevent excessive hardening or embrittlement of the wax. At the same time, it is necessary to use the appropriate tools for fine engraving to ensure the accuracy and quality of the model.

Plaster model:

Production process: First, it is necessary to mix gypsum powder with water to form a slurry, and then pour it into the mold and wait for solidification. After solidification, the plaster model is removed and trimmed and polished as necessary.

Process requirements: It is necessary to control the proportion of gouache and the mixing time in the production process to prevent the expansion of gypsum and the reduction of strength. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the storage environment of the plaster model to prevent moisture absorption and damage.

To sum up, there are obvious differences between dental wax block and plaster model in material composition, application and function, as well as production and technology. Dental wax blocks play an important role in the process of dental manufacturing and restoration because of their good plasticity and ease of operation. Gypsum models play an important role in dental prosthetics and orthodontics because of their low cost and easy modification. In practical applications, doctors will choose the right materials to make dental models according to the specific needs and patient conditions.