What is the purpose of diagnostic waxing procedures?

The primary purpose of diagnostic waxing procedures is to establish optimum teeth design. This technique involves creating a wax model that replicates the desired shape, size, and contour of the teeth. By using diagnostic waxing, dental professionals can visualize and plan restorative treatments more clearly, facilitating discussions with patients regarding their expected outcomes. The wax model serves as a guide for determining how the restorative teeth will interact with existing anatomy, occlusion, and esthetics, thereby optimizing the final restoration's design.

While evaluating the color of the final restoration and determining the best location for the facial and proximal margins are important aspects of restoration planning, they are typically secondary outcomes of the diagnostic waxing process. The wax model primarily focuses on achieving the correct anatomical and aesthetic design, making it a crucial first step in restorative dentistry.