Overview: Learn how to evaluate the quality of wax bite rim scans to ensure accurate alignment and denture fit.
Criteria for High-Quality Scans
High-quality scans ensure that the final denture fits the patient's mouth correctly and maintains a proper bite relationship.
Surface Data Integrity
Complete Coverage: Ensure upper and lower occlusal surfaces have no missing data.
Surface Accuracy: Verify there are no lifted scans on the upper or lower intaglio surfaces.
Clear Markings: Confirm that good markings are visible across all surfaces to facilitate alignment.
Scan Range and Alignment
Anatomic Range: Scan traces must extend from the 2nd molar area on one side to the 2nd molar area on the opposite side.
Identifiable Markers: Capturing identifiable markings within the scan range is necessary for proper software alignment.
Bite Relationship: Proper alignment with the bite must show a precise and accurate relationship between the two arches.
Indicators of Poor-Quality Scans
Identifying these issues early prevents the production of inaccurate dentures that will not fit the patient.
Misalignment Issues
Intaglio vs. Buccal: A poor scan occurs when the intaglio surface does not align with the buccal surface, leading to a misaligned bite.
Occlusal Misalignment: Misalignment on the occlusal surface of the wax bite rim directly results in an inaccurate bite registration.
Data Deficiencies
Missing Intaglio Data: Missing data on the intaglio portion of the scan prevents the software from calculating an accurate denture fit.
Inaccurate Bite Relationship: The combination of missing data and surface misalignment results in a failed scan that cannot be used for denture fabrication.