Which instrument is used to carve wax patterns during denture fabrication?

• A. End cutters
• B. Wax knife
• C. LeCron carver
• D. Archwire

Answer: (C)

Carving wax patterns in denture fabrication requires a tool that provides precise control for detailing and shaping the wax around the teeth and borders. The LeCron carver is designed for this task, with a fine, pointed tip and a shaping edge that lets you sculpt and refine the wax with accuracy. It enables precise contouring of the denture base, borders, and occlusal surfaces, and you can create or correct embrasures and margins without inadvertently distorting adjacent wax. This level of control is essential before investing the wax setup.

End cutters are meant for trimming resin or cutting metal components, so they’re not used for shaping wax patterns. A wax knife can move and smooth wax but doesn’t offer the same fine control for detailed carving. Archwire is an orthodontic item and isn’t involved in denture wax pattern carving.