Tl;dr:
- Diagnostic wax-ups have been replaced with digitally designed 3D-printed models.
- If you want the option to adjust the design, request a hand patterned design and we’ll build up the relevant units in wax on the printed model.
- Design files can be sent to you in .STL format for approval before completion.
Diagnostic models are an excellent tool for both demonstrating treatment outcomes to patients and achieving them via chairside composite techniques. This approach has undergone a digital glow-up with key benefits like faster turnarounds and the option to verify design .STLs before completion.
Traditionally our technicians would have built these up by hand in wax as it was cost-effective and simple to work with. Wax has the added benefits of being adjustable chairside and strong enough to support a putty index for composite bonding.
Our new process involves designing diagnostic models digitally before 3D-printing them to be shown to the patient. Our clients can opt to include a custom laminate for composite bonding or do their own putty index as before. Our 3D-printed diagnostic models are charged at £27.50 for the first unit to be worked on and £15 for each additional unit.
If you’d specifically like the teeth in wax for easy adjustment, just let us know in the case instructions. We’ll design your model as before but the relevant units will be built up by hand in wax at an additional fee of £5 per unit.
Essentially, the digital approach to Diagnostic Wax-Ups retains all the benefits of the traditional method but adds increased accuracy, faster turnaround and pre-completion verification. We also offer an .STL-only option so clients can email designs to patients for a phone consultation and save valuable chair time in the process.
Any questions on this topic? Get in touch with our team by emailing [email protected].
* Prices correct as of April 2025. Download our full up-to-date price guide at CosTech Portal.