The Super Heroes

The box finally arrives from the lab. When Dr. Kent opens it, he finds a pair of freshly made bite rims for the removable denture case about to be started. This is often a missed opportunity for so many. Extra appointments could be avoided if the dentist will take the time to apply a few short procedures. The lab techs that made these devices have no idea about what is going to make this case successful. The only thing they can do is send something that fits on the ridges. It would be a crime to do any more. The dentist will have to use the bite rims to find the clues that will guide the lab to get the verdict they need. As long as the proper procedures are followed, the case should be a success.

The surfaces of the bite blocks are supposed to indicate the occlusal tables position for. Both upper and lower. These most likely will not be right until they are trimmed or added to during chair time. This will also give the patient the opportunity to see if the anterior teeth are going to be long enough for the smile line. After the vertical dimension is established the facial protrusion of the wax can be added to or cut back to properly position the patients' lips. Now a midline can be carved in and any "cant" can be signified at this point. Some dentists like to take a wash impression inside the bite rims, but this is not necessary.

Make sure criminals are not put back out on the street. Sometimes, finished dentures are sent back to the labs for adjustments that could have been avoided if these few steps were taken. when you apply these steps, you bring in the Superheroes to save your valuable chair time and bring their case to a close

Ned LaMarti, CDT.