National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

In which method is the impression surrounded with wax before pouring?

1. Standard pour

2. Box pour

3. Drop pour

4. Layered pour

The correct answer is: Box pour

In the box pour method, the impression is first surrounded with wax to create a seal before the dental stone is poured in. This wax border helps to contain the material within a defined area, ensuring that the pouring process is clean and that the stone does not overflow or contaminate other areas. The wax also allows for a more accurate reproduction of the impression by providing a smooth surface for the stone to adhere to. This technique is especially useful when dealing with complex impressions or those that require more containment to maintain detail and prevent distortion during the pouring process. The other methods, such as the standard pour, drop pour, and layered pour, do not involve this initial sealing step with wax. Instead, they utilize different techniques of pouring and layering the dental stone directly onto the impression without the wax boundary, which can result in a less controlled or detailed final cast.