HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Which wax is commonly used to create a dental crown pattern?

1. Carving wax

2. Baseplate wax

3. Dental casting wax

4. Impression wax

The correct answer is: Dental casting wax

Dental casting wax is specifically designed for creating patterns for crowns and other dental restorations. This type of wax is highly effective when it comes to molding and shaping because it is easy to manipulate and can hold its form when heated and then cooled. When making a dental crown, the dental casting wax can be shaped to replicate the contours and anatomy of the tooth. It is important to differentiate this from other wax types: carving wax is usually utilized for carving and detailing existing margins or devices; baseplate wax serves more for constructing denture bases; and impression wax is utilized in making impressions of teeth and surrounding tissues. Thus, dental casting wax is the optimal choice for crown patterns due to its properties that suit the intricacies involved in crown fabrication.