A simple technique for boxing impressions for fabrication of altered casts

Leila Jahangiri, BDS, DMD, MMSc,a Patrick Mascarenhas, DDS, MDS,b and Donald Kitzis, DDS, MSDc College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, N.Y.

Impressions are boxed to preserve the width of the border area and therefore produce a land area on the cast. A plethora of techniques and materials have been described for boxing procedures.1-11 This tip is a modification of the technique and mix described by Plummer.5 The materials involved should be available to all dentists. 1. Trim excess impression material, remove all edentulous areas of the cast distal to the posterior abutment(s), and create undercuts and mechanical locks in the master cast (Fig. 1). 2. Soak the master cast in slurry water for 5 to 10 minutes. Allow the cast to dry, and attach the framework firmly to the master cast with sticky wax. Protect teeth on the master cast by covering them with irreversible hydrocolloid (Fig. 2). 3. Make a support base mix with an Accu-Dent (Buellton, Calif.) water measure. Mix 2 parts (26 mL) cornstarch (Argo Cornstarch, Best Foods Div, CPC International Inc, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.), 1 part (13 mL) fine pumice, and 1 part (13 mL) plaster. Mix the dry powders and add to 115 mL water. Pour the material into a denture flask. The consistency of the materials should be such that it supports the impression. Center the master cast and frame assembly upside down in the flask, immersing the framework within the supporting confines of the flask (Fig. 3). 4. Fill around the impression, leaving 5 mm of border area exposed. Mold with fingers to a smooth consistency. If the mix has dried, working time may be altered by wetting ones fingers and applying water to the surface of the supporting mix. Let set for 15 minutes. Pour a base with a compatible stone to that of the master cast, filling up the denture flask. Once set, remove from flask. Separate master cast from the supporting base and irreversible hydrocolloid (this supporting base is easy to remove with ones fingers). Trim the cast to the desired dimensions (Fig. 4).

Fig. 1. Replacement of impression and framework on master cast after removal of edentulous distal extension areas of cast.

Fig. 2. Protection of teeth in master cast with irreversible hydrocolloid.

aAssistant

Clinical Professor, Department of Restorative and Biomaterials. bPostgraduate Resident in Prosthodontics. cClinical Professor, Department of Restorative and Biomaterials. J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:519-20. MAY 2001

REFERENCES
1. Hamada MO. Quick boxing of impressions with irreversible hydrocolloid. J Prosthet Dent 1986;56:743-5. 2. Bolouri A, Hilger TC, Gowrylok MD. Boxing impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1975;33:692-5.

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Fig. 3. Immersion of master cast and frame assembly within supporting base.

Fig. 4. Completed altered cast.

3. Stipho HD. Boxing impressions with irreversible hydrocolloid. J Prosthet Dent 1985;53:740-1. 4. Ritchie JR, Guerra LR, Finger IM. Simple technique for boxing complete denture impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1985;54:854-6. 5. Plummer KD. Technique for boxing an altered cast impression. J Prosthet Dent 1982;47:573-5. 6. NaBadalung DP, Connelly ME. A universal boxing procedure: irreversible hydrocolloid and magnetic strip. J Prosthet Dent 1998;80:262-4. 7. MacPherson JH, Javid NS. A quick technique for boxing impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1982;48:220. 8. Kotwal KR, Villalobos EG. Simplified technique for boxing irreversible hydrocolloid impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1988;59:741-2. 9. Machnee CH, Loney RW. A boxing technique for irreversible hydrocolloid impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1989;62:610-2. 10. Wiland L. Boxing alginate impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1969;22:99-102. 11. Broner AS, Soni A, Goldstein GR. Modified boxing technique for mandibular impressions. J Prosthet Dent 1982;47:454-6.

Reprint requests to: DR LEILA JAHANGIRI ADVANCED EDUCATION IN PROSTHODONTICS, 5D NYU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY NEW YORK, NY 10010 FAX: (973)972-0370 E-MAIL: lj14@nyu.edu Copyright 2001 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 0022-3913/2001/$35.00 + 0. 10/4/114264

doi:10.1067/mpr.2001.114264

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