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Wax Burnout — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardDental MaterialsWax BurnoutNDEB AFK

Which property of dental wax is critical for accurate pattern fabrication in the lost-wax casting technique?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Complete burnout with no residue

Complete burnout (elimination) of the wax pattern with no residual ash or carbon is critical in the lost-wax casting technique. Any wax residue in the mould cavity would prevent complete metal fill and cause surface defects in the casting. Inlay wax burns out at approximately 500-700°C. The investment mould must be heated slowly to allow wax expansion before burnout to prevent mould fracture. This is why wax composition (paraffin, ceresin, carnauba) is carefully formulated.

Reference: Anusavice – Phillips' Science of Dental Materials, 13th ed., 2022