There have been several reports of institutions, schools and even laboratories, which are not allowing ‘open flames’ in their structures any longer. Most of these reports have to do with the insurance and fire codes.
As clinicians and technicians, we all know that the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere around a consistently running burner causes sleepiness in the afternoon. Additionally, the risk of fire is great when working around open flames and wax.
The industry uses electric waxing instruments (Whip Mix Electric Wax Pencils) that take away the need for a Bunsen burner when working on smaller projects. But what about our need to produce or adjust wax rims for try-in procedures and adjustments?
The existing procedure is to heat up what is by design, a modified pancake turner over a Bunsen burner, then use the hot flat surface to adjust the angle of the bite blocks.
We have been comfortable with this system for several generations of dentists and denturists and technicians. Moving into the future will require a different approach. After consultation with a major western university dental school, Whip Mix developed the Electric Occlusal Rim Former.
1. Whip Mix’s Electric Occlusal Rim Former offers the technician, dentist, denturist and the dental or technical student, the ability to create the ideal shape and size occlusal (bite) rims made from base plate wax without a flame.
2. Imagine the timesavings in the operatory, when the dentist or assistant does not have to leave the room to make an adjustment with a flame in the lab! In addition, in the commercial lab when you do not have to return the instrument repeatedly to the flame for more heat.
3. The Electric Occlusal Rim Former has a variable temperature (0˚F – 220˚F / 0˚C – 104.4˚C), allowing the small unit to melt any wax you choose. In addition, the unit comes complete with a paddle rest/cover to prevent burn injuries at the bench.
Whip Mix produced a WEBINAR on creating Bite Blocks with Phil Mortenson, Dental Technician, EDDA (Extended Duty Dental Assistant). The webinar can be reached by going to our website at www.whipmix.com, selecting WEBINARS at the top of the page, following the registration instructions (it’s FREE!), and choosing the webinar. This webinar is registered for CE credits.
We hope that with this addition to our electric wax pencil line, you will have the tools at your disposal to move away from the flame and become more safe and profitable.