Clinical evaluation of the wax trial denture

A complete denture is a mechanical object, much of which is fabricated outside the dental operatory. Its specific fabrication, however, is dictated by clinical facts, as outlined in instructions provided by the dentist. This mechanical object must function in a biologic atmosphere, and every effort must be made to assure a harmonious relationship between the mechanical and the biologic. The wax trial denture stage becomes a critical phase of complete denture care in evaluating this relationship. The wax trial denture should be evaluated relative to trial base stability, vertical dimension, centric and protrusive jaw relationships, tooth selection, the level of the occlusal plane, buccolingual and anteroposterior tooth position, and occlusal articulation. Although all of these factors should be further evaluated at the denture insertion stage as well as at each recall visit, only at the wax trial denture stage can significant changes be easily accomplished. The wax trial denture evaluation should receive adequate consideration in any complete denture technique.