Study Models and Wax Ups
We use a diagnostic “wax up” to help us (and you) visualize possible changes to the shape and alignment of your teeth. The wax up shows teeth and gum tissue, usually in white plaster with white wax added. The original study models provide a three-dimensional look at the “before” condition of your teeth, and the wax up will give a three-dimensional “after” picture of what your teeth, replacements of missing teeth, etc. will look like when the treatment is completed. The wax up is often used where there are moderate to significant cosmetic changes to be considered. In conjunction with the wax up, it is possible to have the before picture converted to a digital image and then computer modified to show an “after” image. The digitized picture will have your lips, cheeks, gum tissue, and face visible and in proper color. The wax up is valuable for you too. You will be able to judge the proposed changes and approve them. If you don’t like them, it is relatively simple to have the wax up changed for a different look. Once the wax up is approved by both you and us, it will be used as the foundation for the anticipated treatment. The better a treatment is planned, the better the chance of a successful result.
There is an additional cost for either the study models or the diagnostic wax up. Fees for the study models are fixed. Fees for the diagnostic wax up depend on the number of teeth that are being modified. For an extensive “makeover” a fee of several hundred dollars is possible.