Impressions: Both upper and lower impressions in rubber base (PVS).
Bite Registration
Photos: Intra-oral, Extra-oral and profile photographs of patients.
Radiographs: Cephalometric and Panorama.
DIAGNOSIS and Treatment Form: Filled completely.
Both upper and lower impressions are required for processing a case. Impression material should have a longer shelf life, should be able to capture details and also withstand multiple pours without damaging the details. A number of materials can be used. Polyvinyl siloxane impression materials are the recommended materials of choice. Two step PVS impression material gives the best results, though one step PVS can also be used.
Selection of an appropriate tray is critical for good quality impression. Metal trays are recommended for taking a good study impression that can withstand multiple pours without affecting the impression configuration. A tray should be such that it accommodates the entire patient’s dentition and para-dental tissue details. All morphological details should be within the confines of the tray. Any part of dentition hanging out of the tray confines will be removed and will not be present in the aligner.
Bite registration is essential to establish patient’s occlusion in the laboratory so that the treatment which is carried out is within parameters of initial occlusion. It also helps during the set-up of individual arch dentition in accordance with the requirement set forth by the DIAGNOSIS and Treatment Form.The material of choice is PVS bite registration material as this gives excellent details of the occlusal contacts and also the properties of the material make it sturdy & resistant to distortion.Simple bite registration can be taken by spreading the bite registration material over the patient’s teeth and asking him to bite in normal occlusal position. A triple tray can also be used to register the bite of the patient.
A good bite registration which reproduces the inter arch relationship is essential.Complete contact information should recorded clearly.It should be a single piece record which includes the contact information for both right and left quadrants.
Both intra oral and extra oral photographs of the patient are required for quality verification of the cast and determination of permissible movement that can be incorporated without affecting the profile of patient.Following are the perspectives from which these photographs need to be taken
All pictures should be recent and clearly represent the details of the patient dentition and profile. Individual pictures can be sent though it is preferred if a picture template is used to combine all the pictures on a single page print out.
Two recent radiographs of patient are essential. This helps in the evaluation and understanding of the prescribed treatment plan.
There are conditions where the treating doctor finds it appropriate not to take radiographs due to certain conditions / limitations of patient. In such situations, the same should be communicated in details through DIAGNOSIS and treatment form.Any essential information which may be gathered from radiograph can be entered in the diagnosis and treatment form for reference.Full mouth x-rays can be submitted instead of panorax.
