Dental models are three-dimensional reproductions of a patient's teeth and gums, according to "Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting." Also called study casts, these models are valuable diagnostic tools for creating devices such as dentures or braces, or for making temporary crowns or mouth guards. With these models, the dentist can study a patient's mouth at angles he or she cannot reach during a regular patient examination in the dental chair.
Instructions
Steps to Create a Dental Model
1. Mix the alginate impression material in the medium-sized rubber bowl (measure the amount of powder and water according to the manufacturer's instructions) until it appears smooth and creamy. Wipe the prepared alginate material into the impression tray for the bottom arch of the mouth, and seat the tray on the patient's bottom teeth until the material has set.
2. Remove the bottom tray and then rinse, disinfect and wrap the impression in a slightly moist towel. Place the impression in a precaution bag, and take an impression of the upper arch of the mouth.
3. Measure 45 milliliters of water in a flexible rubber bowl and add 100 grams of dental plaster in steady increments. Allow the powder to settle into the water for about 30 seconds, and mix until the plaster is smooth and creamy in about 20 seconds.
4. Place the bowl of plaster mix on the vibrator (set to low or medium speed). Lightly press and rotate the bowl on the vibrator for no longer than two minutes.
5. Hold the first impression tray by the handle and place the edge of the handle's base on the vibrator. Dip the metal spatula into the plaster mix, pick up a small increment and place it in the back teeth of the impression until the material flows and covers the entire arch. Place the remaining plaster mix in the bowl onto a glass slab or tile in the form of a mound about 2 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch thick. Then, gently invert the impression onto this mound (the base of the dental model), and repeat the process for the second impression tray.
6. Wait 45 to 60 minutes to separate the impressions from the models. Soak the bases of the models in a bowl or tub of water for at least five minutes. Trim the bottom of the base, the back, the sides and the front of the model of the top teeth. Allow the teeth of the top- and bottom-arch models to touch as they naturally would in the mouth, and trim the back sides of these models so they are even. Move on to the model of the bottom teeth: Trim the bottom of the base of this model, as well as the sides and front. (When the bottom and top arches are touching each other, the models together should stand 3 inches tall.) Lastly, trim diagonal cuts on the back corners of the models, again with the teeth of the two arches touching as they naturally would in the mouth.
7. Mix gypsum and water together and fill any holes in the bases of the models. When it hardens, remove excess with a laboratory knife. Polish with a dental lathe and pumice.
Related posts
Plaster dental molds are used in prosthetic dentistry.Prosthetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring teeth through the use of crowns, bridges and replacement teeth. Dent...
Make False TeethCreating false teeth is a fun way to alter a person's appearance for either theatrical applications or just for enjoyment. The technique described here is quite similar to that use...
Plaster of Paris is a white powder that can be mixed with water to form a paste. The paste then hardens as it dries. It is simple to make any sort of imprint in plaster of Paris, including hands,...
Create your own ornaments for a holiday tree, to decorate the home or to give as gifts. Plaster of Paris is readily available at craft and hobby stores. Easy to work with, it hardens quickly witho...
Tofu is not only a good source of protein; it is also a versatile food that can be used for a variety of dishes. Tofu can be used in a myriad of recipes, and it comes in different levels of firmne...
