Basic wax contouring for complete dentures

The form and contour of the polished surface of the denture base is an important factor in the appearance and function of complete dentures. It is the responsibility of the dentist to insure that the dental laboratory technician reproduces the proper anatomic contour of the denture base. With attention to details in the final wax-up, the finishing procedures will be minimal. The use of high shine is all that is needed to polish. If anatomy is lost in the investing procedure, and it is necessary to recarve it with acrylic resin burs, then it will be necessary to use both coarse and fine pumice and high shine to complete the dentures (Figs. 15 to 17). When one applies these basic principles, a denture surface is produced that will be both refreshing and natural in appearance and aid in the stability of the dentures in function. To our patients who are contemplating prosthodontic replacements, it should remove the fear of having to submit to accepting an unnatural restoration.