Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

Rapid wax burn out in dental casting can lead to the cracking of the investment material. When wax is burned out too quickly, the temperature increases rapidly within the investment material, which can create excessive stresses. This rapid change can cause the investment to expand in a way that it was not designed to handle, leading to cracks.

The integrity of the investment is critical, as it serves as the mold for the molten metal during the casting process. Ideally, the burn-out process is controlled to allow the investment to undergo gradual temperature changes. This controlled burn-out helps preserve the investment’s dimensional stability and strength, reducing the risk of cracking and ensuring the downstream processes are successful.