Ulf Broda, RDT How often have you had a patient that has expressed general interest in a more cosmetic smile but won’t move the final step towards committing to have the case proceed? Now, with a Mock-up exclusively from Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratories, you can show that patient a customized presentation of the actual cosmetic possibilities you can achieve - without having to numb or prep the teeth. Here is a quick guide and step-by-step procedure on how a Mock-up is created:

Pre-operative model. Mock-up.

1. Take upper and lower full arch impressions and an accurate bite registration. Fill out a detailed prescription and send to Aurum Ceramic.
   
2. Aurum Ceramic will duplicate the models and articulate. Wax will be added only to the incisal edges, occlusal table and the buccal corridors to produce a more cosmetic smile. Aurum Ceramic will fabricate a simple temp matrix of the mock-up and return it to the dental office. NOTE: If the patient has flat, worn down teeth and relatively straight alignment, this can be an easy procedure. If the teeth are misaligned and overlapping or flared buccally, the possible improvements are more difficult to portray to the patient.
   
3. Once the mock-up is received at the dental office, there are two possible ways to proceed:
   
   1. Apply a small amount of Vaseline on the teeth. Take the Siltech matrix and half fill with Integrity or Luxa-temp and place directly on the teeth. Let the temp material set and remove the matrix carefully. Show the patient the difference with a mirror, but don’t let the patient hold the mirror three inches from their face (i.e., can’t see the “full face” impact of the restoration at that distance). Once the patient has seen their personalized new smile possibilities, you can remove this intra-oral mock-up.
      
   2. Another option is to dry the teeth and, utilizing the same placement procedures outlined above, let the patient wear the mock-up home to show their spouse, friends, co-workers, etc. The mock-up could last up to three or four days in the mouth before it starts to break off. NOTE: This technique can also allow the patient to get an idea of what a bonded orthotic could feel and look like prior to actual placement.

These relatively quick procedures will benefit you, your staff and also your patient in clarifying and getting a final commitment for a cosmetic enhancement. Once the patient has agreed to go ahead, Aurum Ceramic will be happy to assist you in completing the case by providing you with all the components (i.e., Diagnostic Wax-up, Prep Indices, Bite Stents and Temporary Stents) of our exclusive ACCES™ System. These serve as a template for the final restorations that assures predictability in the mouth.