Glossary

A wax-up is a wax and/or resin pattern contoured to the desired form for a trial denture, cast coping, metal framework, or for diagnostic purposes. It is also a process of placing denture teeth on a wax-rim. A wax-up provides a model of what the patient’s dental work will look like and assists the dentist with the implant procedure. A dental wax-up kit is an important part of any office’s dental materials. This contoured pattern can be used for wax-up teeth or for a veneer wax-up. A dental wax-up not only assists the dentist with the implant process but the patient as well. A mockup can be made and placed into the patient’s mouth to give them a better understanding of what their prosthesis will look like once the procedure is complete. It also provides a chance for the patient to request changes or to discuss any esthetic concerns they may have.

A waxing sleeve is placed over the titanium implant post and can be shaped or modified in any way to procure an appropriate metal support for a dental implant. Often, waxing sleeves are used in tissue level impression and with a UCLA-type crown or UCLA abutment. UCLA abutment history says that the abutment was created in 1987. It has a gold cylinder that works with the implant hardware and a plastic sleeve that can have a waxing sleeve placed over it. Usually, the abutments are cast with a high noble alloy and baked with ceramic before use. The UCLA abutment is stronger than a zirconia abutments, and it has better versatility and aesthetics compared to other types of abutments. Whether used with a UCLA-type crown or abutment or not, a waxing sleeve allows for straightforward and accurate fabrication. Essentially, this works to create a better overall finished aesthetic appearance.