Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Wax patterns are crucial in various dental procedures, especially in creating precise restorations. When wax patterns are left on the bench for an extended period, distortion becomes a significant concern. Wax is a thermoplastic material, meaning it can change shape with temperature fluctuations. Prolonged exposure to environmental factors like humidity and temperature can lead to softening or warping of the wax, compromising the accuracy of the final restoration. Any alteration in shape can impact how the pattern fits or functions when converted into a final material, like metal or ceramic.

The other options refer to potential issues that might arise from wax patterns, such as loss of color, increased brittleness, and decreased detail. However, these factors are not as directly related to the primary functional aspect of preserving the geometric integrity of the wax patterns during the critical period before they are processed. Therefore, distortion is the most pertinent reason to avoid leaving wax patterns unattended for too long.