Dental models allow the dentist to see how the patient's teeth work together or occlude.
Dental models are an essential component of dental treatment. Models help a dentist evaluate how the patient's teeth work together and can be used to create crowns, dentures, mouth guards, bleaching trays and braces. Pouring accurate dental models can help the dentist and patient make informed decisions on how to create a healthy smile.
Instructions
Preparing the Alignate Impression
1. Alginate material is added to the inside of the impression tray, which is placed in a patient's mouth.
Lightly dry off saliva from alginate impression.
2. Spray a surface disinfectant such as Birex on to the alginate impression.
3. Remove any excess liquid from the teeth occlusal surfaces of the alginate impression by gently applying a paper towel or lightly blowing air from an air-water syringe tip. The presence of excess liquid in the alginate impression will increase the water to powder ratio of the dental stone, resulting in a slower setting time in addition to chalky, fragile occlusal surfaces, according to Craig's Restorative Dental Materials.
Pouring Dental Stone Models
4. Measure out the recommended amount of cold water from the dental stone package with a graduated cylinder. Pour water into the rubber mixing bowl.
5. Add dental stone package to water.
6. Mix the dental stone and water with a metal spatula firmly against the inner part of the rubber mixing bowl until you achieve a thick, but fluid-like consistency (takes about 20 seconds).
7. Turn on dental vibrator machine. Place the rubber mixing bowl with dental stone mixture on top of the vibrator. Air bubbles will initially appear in the mixture. Vibrate the mixture until the air bubbles become fewer and smaller in number.
8. Place the alginate impression on the dental vibrating machine. With the metal spatula, add a small amount of dental stone, enough to cover the tip of the spatula to the most posterior aspect (right or left side) of the alginate impression. Allow the dental stone to slowly flow through all the indented occlusal surfaces inside the impression while you rotate the impression on the dental vibrator to remove additional air bubbles that will come to the surface.
9. Add larger amounts for dental stone to fill up the alginate impression, once the occlusal surfaces have been carefully covered. Briefly place the impression on the vibrator for 2 to 3 seconds to ensure the dental stone is evenly distributed in the alginate impression.
10. Leave the dental stone model undisturbed for 45 to 60 minutes until the material completely sets.
11. Separate dental stone model from alginate impression.
Tags: dental stone, alginate impression, occlusal surfaces, mixing bowl, rubber mixing
