Final set-up and processing
Denture Duplication Techniques
1 After the try-in is returned, carry out the final set-up.
There are a number of well proven denture duplication
techniques in use, such as the Dundee technique and
others. The Alma Gauge can be used as an adjunct to
these techniques whether or not any changes are
required to the existing dentures.
Note. The Alma Gauge permits changes to anterior tooth
position to be specified in millimeters instead of
information such as “the teeth are too prominent”.
2 Re-check the final wax-up on the Alma Gauge and
also use it to confirm that no processing errors have
occurred in the finished denture.
Weak or flat incisive papillae
In some cases it may be felt that the shape of the
incisive papilla is rather flat, or in the mandible the
central position may not be obvious. In this situation
proceed as follows:
1 Before taking impressions use a tissue marking pen to
mark a spot, which appears central in position, in the
patient’s mouth. If no impressions are to be taken
transfer to existing denture instead.
2 Check that the mark has transferred to the
impression before sending to laboratory. The
technician then repeats the process by placing a fresh
mark on the model over the spot allowing it to be
transferred onto the wax occlusal rims and later the
try-ins (Fig 5). All Alma Gauge readings performed
during a case are therefore taken from the same
position.
1 Take the Alma Gauge readings as usual (see taking
Alma Gauge readings – upper denture).
2 Record any adjustments, which are needed to the
anterior tooth position.
3 Duplicate the existing dentures as usual.
4 Set up teeth to the Alma Gauge readings for the
changed or unaltered denture.
5 Confirm position of teeth using Alma Gauge.
To Recalibrate the Alma Gauge
1 Unscrew the Indicator Stylus Cap (A) (See (Fig 6))
but do not remove it from the handle.
2 Push the Indicator Stylus Handle all the way down
(B). If the bottom edge of the handle does not
exactly read “0” mm turn the handle whilst holding
the stylus itself firm until it does (C).
3 Replace and tighten the cap before releasing the
handle and the vertical (V) measurement will be
accurate.
Schottlander’s Innovation Recognised
Schottlander
Alma Gauge
In 2004 Schottlander were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for the
Enigma & Natura tooth and denture systems.
Schottlander’s Innovation Recognised
The official citation from the Queen’s Awards Office read:
“The award to Davis Schottlander & Davis Ltd recognises this company’s
success in continuously improving a range of teeth and dentures.
The Company has created Enigma and Natura, two ranges of teeth and
dentures that not only look more natural but also function better. This has
been achieved by using advanced acrylic materials, a wider range of colours
and better mechanical design, to give an improved “bite”. Options available
now take account of the different characteristics of ethnic groups. Continuous
innovation in design and professional marketing have enabled this award
winner to achieve a substantial share of the market and considerable
commercial success whilst providing customers with better looking
and performing dentures”.
(A)
A simple to use but essential
measuring instrument
(B)
Tel +44 (0)1462 480848
Fax +44 (0)1462 482802
Freephone 0800 97 000 79
Freefax 0800 97 000 78
e-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Fig 6
Fig 5
Products for better dentistry
Davis Schottlander & Davis Ltd
Fifth Avenue
Letchworth Garden City
Herts, SG6 2WD England
www.schottlander.com
W5606/0607
(C)
Products for better dentistry
The Schottlander
Alma Gauge
The positions of denture teeth are not just important for
the patient’s smile and the function of their dentures.
They also enable clear speech and, when placed to
support the lips, can make a difference of five or ten
years to the apparent age of the face.
An initial estimate of the tooth position should be
established during the first appointment and confirmed
at the occlusal record stage when speech can also be
tested.
Advantages of the Schottlander
Alma Gauge
Taking Alma Gauge readings –
lower denture
• Facilitates early checking of tooth position and speech
1 Proceed as for upper denture with the following
additional steps when required.
2 If there has been resorption of the mandible since the
lower denture was fabricated take a reline type
impression inside the fitting surface. Then take the
Alma Gauge reading.
3 If the incisive papilla is weak proceed as below under
“weak or flat incisive papillae”.
4 If an overbite relationship is required this is achieved
by reducing the vertical (H) dimension of the lower
prescription, i.e. a 2 mm overbite would change a
lower prescription of V10/H4 to V8/H4. In the case
of edge to edge incisal bite, it is necessary to use the
actual vertical reading of the Alma Gauge in order to
specify the vertical dimensions of the lower bite rim,
instead of compensating for the overbite by requesting
2 mm less.
5 Send the shield(s) to the laboratory together with
the impression(s), face bow readings and other
information.
• Transfers information as numerical readings between
surgery and laboratory
• Saves both surgery and laboratory time
• Helps reduce re-tries
• Prescription can be checked to both try-in and
fit stages
• The processed denture can be checked for accuracy
both before and after return to the surgery
• Particularly useful for house bound patients
The Schottlander Alma Gauge not only helps in the
provision of better dentures but also saves you time.
Simply use the Alma Gauge to take horizontal and
vertical readings of the existing denture referenced to
the incisive papilla.
• Easy to evaluate relines, rebases and copy dentures
• Encourages systematic planning of the design of the
new dentures(s)
Surgery Procedures
Simplified Procedure
At the first visit assess horizontal position of central
incisors and, if required, modify lip support with sheet
wax. Take an Alma Gauge reading. Next assess the
vertical dimension relative to the existing denture and
record both readings on the sleeve together with an
outline of the denture.
In the laboratory the technician produces an occlusal rim
of precise dimensions using the working impressions, the
sleeves provided and the laboratory Alma Gauge.
At the next surgery visit the usual occlusal records are
taken. In addition, because the rim is so precise, with
minimal excess thickness, tooth position can be checked
and speech tested at this early stage, reducing patient
visits for re-tries and the subsequent need to reset teeth.
Any adjustments are recorded using the Alma Gauge.
This straight forward procedure ensures a set-up that
will require fewer adjustments, saving not only time, but
also resulting in greater patient satisfaction.
Fig 2
5 Then take the horizontal reading (H mm) where the
incisal edge of the teeth rest on the base (Fig 2) and
also record it onto the shield.
(A reading of V10/H8 mm indicates that the incisal
edge of the central teeth is 10mm on the vertical scale
and 8mm on the horizontal scale from the incisive
papilla)
6 With the stylus point in position draw the outline of
the denture onto the shield using the pen provided.
This will record the position of all the teeth round
the arch. Write on the patients name and any
amendments required. (Fig 3)
Fig 1
Fig 3
Taking Alma Gauge readings –
upper denture
1 Place a disposable shield on the Alma Gauge base.
2 Place the denture on the gauge base with the anterior
teeth facing towards the vertical arm.
3 Position the stylus point in the incisive papilla
depression in the acrylic base by pushing down on the
black stylus handle. (Fig 1)
4 Read the number on the vertical scale below the stylus
handle (V mm). (Fig 2) and record it onto the
disposable shield.
constructed more precisely the time taken for
adjustments should be less.
2 Adjust the plane of contact of the opposing rims
using the Schottlander Autoclavable Bite Plane.
3 Record the usual details such as smile line, centre
line etc.
4 Check tooth position and test speech at this early
stage, reducing patient visits for re-tries and the
subsequent need to reset teeth. Record any
adjustments using the Alma Gauge.
Try-in in surgery
1 Try the teeth in the mouth and check for vertical
dimension, visual appearance etc.
2 Give any specific details for change in tooth position
by means of adjusted Alma Gauge readings and
return to laboratory.
In conjunction with impressions, face bow readings etc,
the Alma Gauge is used in a laboratory as follows:
Occlusal rims
1 Place the disposable shield on the base of the
laboratory Alma Gauge. This will have been marked
up in the surgery. (Fig 3)
2 Prepare the occlusal rims using the V and H
dimensions taken in the surgery and the marked up
denture outlines drawn on the shields.
3 Use the Alma Gauge (as shown under “Taking Alma
Gauge readings”) to check and make any adjustments
to the occlusal rims before sending them to the
surgery. (Fig 4)
Fitting the finished case
Making changes to the existing
dentures
If the vertical height or freeway space is considered
unsatisfactory in the existing dentures, or the positions
of the teeth need changing then this may be effected as
follows:
1 Calculate the vertical height using a bite gauge and
using beading wax to build up the existing dentures
as necessary.
2 Adjust the labial position and tooth length, also by
using beading wax.
3 When both dentist and patient are satisfied, take
Alma Gauge readings as above of the modified
dentures.
4 Have the laboratory construct occlusal rims to the
modified vertical and labial positions.
Occlusal rim try-in in surgery
1 Try in the occlusal rim and make adjustments in the
usual manner. Because the rim will have been
1 Check the final dimensions with the Alma Gauge and
fit the dentures.
Laboratory Procedures
There are a number of advantages for the technician
when Alma Gauge readings are taken. These are as
follows:
• Prescription contains precise dimensional information
with which to work.
• Occlusal rims can be more accurately specified and
produced. On its return from the surgery the rim is
likely to have been less altered and be more accurate,
so reducing the number of further re-try-ins. Re-tries
are not always unpaid!
• Aids delegation in laboratory since not only do
juniors have a more precise prescription but senior
technicians have a template against which to check
the work.
• The denture process can be checked against the
precise prescription before return to the surgery and
the processing accuracy can be proven in case of
doubt.
Fig 4
Try-in
1 Articulate the models in the normal manner. Use the
Alma Gauge readings to precisely position the central
anterior teeth both vertically and horizontally.
Note. Any changes, which have been made at occlusal rim
stage, can be easily incorporated since numerical values
will be given eg. “change V10/H8 to V10/H9”.
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