Custom Diagnostic Waxup

A well done diagnostic waxup is what separates the excellent dentists from the average ones when it comes to delivering a new smile.  While ANY dentist can give “A” new smile, without proper steps the final result is a gamble, or an expensive game of chance.  Also, without proper planning, the dentist may irreversibly remove more tooth structure than needed which results in a weaker tooth or teeth.

Step number one is taking impressions. Traditionally this is done with trays and “goopy” material that sets after a few minutes. This leads to stone models of the teeth that can be evaluated and a smile design can be created. NOW, Dr Timmerman uses a digital scanner to electronically record the teeth and can virtually plan or 3D print models for the evaluation. This means NO gagging and saves DAYS of lab time, so treatment can begin QUICKLY.

There are several STYLES of teeth to consider, and after one is chosen, the lab can transfer the design to the models. YOU can now evaluate the design to YOUR teeth before you even start!  If you desire any changes, Dr Timmerman can do them right then.

The BEST part of a diagnostic waxup is the transfer.  Impressions of the WAXUP can be taken, and your smile design PROTOTYPE (your temporary smile) can be worn after your teeth are shaped for the veneers (if needed).  Now you can SEE the new shape of your smile BEFORE it is done!  Sometimes the waxup looks great on a model but not what you expected in your mouth.  Whatever changes you desire can be worked out with Dr Timmerman and then communicated to the lab.

An alternative to the lab fabricated diagnostic waxup is to have Dr Timmerman design your smile right in your mouth.  This MAY be all you need to see, but has SOME draw backs.  Impressions of the intra oral mock up may dislodge it, so the prototype may be a challenge to create and may not look as nice as using a lab.  So, YES, you can save a couple days (and we really are saying 2 days and not a week or two since the digital scanner is used) but having the lab participate from the start may be a more comfortable experience.