1. A duplicate model is recommended, especially in cases with undercuts. Do not block out undercuts, as these will provide the retention for the denture or partial appliance.
2. Reduce the height of the model as much as possible to help eliminate thinning of the Pro-flex denture base.
3. Reduce the basal area of the model. Make it as small as possible in order to get the most suction from the vacuum former.
4. In lower cases with long sublingual flanges and undercuts, it is necessary to remove the lingual portion of the model.
5. Important-- When fabricating this denture laminate base, the soft side needs to be heated first.
6. To eliminate burning of base, heat soft side for two or three minutes until complete laminate has softened. Material will not droop. One suggestion is
to raise the frame only half way to the heating element.
7. Once soft side is heated and soft, flip laminate so hard side is up. Heat hard side for 10 to 20 seconds. "Warning -- This side is prone to burning.
8. After heating the hard side, lower the heated base material onto the model and turn on the suction. Use a cold, wet tissue or towel to press the base material onto the model for improved adaptation. By placing a knife blade or waxing instrument onto the base and gently pushing, a tight fit in the undercut areas is created.
9. Vacuuming of the base laminate onto the model should take approximately one minute. Allow to bench cool for rat least 10 minutes.
10. Trim laminate from model using a Pro-Form Wheel Saw.
11. Finish the Pro-flex base much like you would an acrylic denture. Do not polish at this point.
12. The base is now completed and ready to be finished into a final denture. See Processing Pro-flex Overlay Resin.
13. During waxing, cover the entire base laminate with wax before finishing. This is so the Pro-flex resin covers the entire laminate to ensure color and strength in the finished denture. Add any anatomical features like a rugae, post dam, etc.
14. While making the bite block, or setting denture teeth, be careful not to damage or burn the base laminate material.
15. Although Pro-flex resin chemically bonds with acrylic teeth, mechanical retention such as diatoric holes should be drilled in teeth to ensure optimum retention. This is due to the flexible nature of the final denture. It is especially true with IPN or composite teeth..
16. The Waxed Pro-flex denture and base laminate are now invested using standard press techniques.
17. Boil out flask for five minutes and clean thoroughly with a detergent and hot water. Rinse with clean hot water.
Note: When boiling out the case, try not to get the laminate base too hot. If laminate does lose some of its shape after boiling, it usually is not a problem. The laminate will re-adapt to the model during the packing process.
18. Before applying the separator to the flask, make sure the base laminate is clean, clean, clean!.
19. Apply separator to the flask in the normal manner. Avoid teeth.
20. A bonding agent may be applied to the teeth at this time.
21. Although Proflex resin chemically bonds with acrylic teeth, mechanical retention such as diatoric holes should be drilled in teeth to ensure optimum retention. This is due to the flexible nature of the final appliance. It is especially true with IPN and composite teeth.
22. Add a bonding agent for maximum bond between NFC resin and teeth.
23. Important --- Store NFC resin (both powder and liquid) in refrigerator and remove JUST prior to mixing and pouring. This will help slow down the reaction and make the material easier to work with.
24. Remove the NFC resin from the refrigerator. Mix two parts of powder to one part of liquid. Use the clear measuring cup for liquid (1/2 oz.) and add to powder (1 oz.) in the blue measuring cup. Mix thoroughly as quickly as possible for 10 seconds. Pour small amount of resin into an additional mixing cup (second container) for later use. Cover both containers with cellophane.
25. You are now ready to pack. Remove the strengthener from the model and paint the side receiving the NFC resin with the NFC liquid, it acts as a bonding agent. Keep the strengthener moist with NFC liquid during the entire packing procedure. Note: Avoid getting the NFC liquid on the tissue side of the strengthener.
26. The NFC resin will be ready to pack in about 5 minutes. Set an accurate timer and remember the resin gets to an initial set QUICKLY!!!.
27. Using cellophane or wet fingers, put all the NFC resin from the first container into the flask. Use cellophane between the resin and the model and close flask for a quick trial pack. Almost immediately, open the flask and remove cellophane.
28. Put the wet strengthener back on the model. Add the rest of the NFC resin to the flask and close. Note: On upper cases, add the extra resin from the second container directly into the plate area to avoid trapping air in the palate.
29. Put flask in a clamp and cure for 60 minutes at 125° to 130°F.
DO NOT CURE AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE OR BELOW THIS RANGE.
30. After de-flasking, we recommend warming the partial for 15-20 seconds in 160° water. This will help remove the partial from the model. Finish the partial using standard acrylic burs, stones, disks and techniques.
Important Helpfull Hints: Returning the partial back to the first duplicate model that was saved, can aid in finishing the partial around the teeth and clasp abutments.
31. Final polish as you would a normal partial. A final high shine can be accomplished with a buffing wheel, light pressure and a little water.
32. Check accuracy of the partial on the master model.
Note: All Proflex appliances are designed to work best at body temperature and should be warmed before insertion.
