What is a common use of shellac baseplates in the dental field?

Shellac baseplates are commonly used in dentistry for forming occlusion rims. This application involves creating a baseplate that can be shaped as needed to establish the proper relationship between the upper and lower dental arches. The occlusion rim serves as a pivotal reference point to assist in the evaluation of vertical dimension and midline alignment, as well as for recording occlusal relationships in the process of fabricating dentures.

The unique properties of shellac, including its ability to be easily molded and its rigidity once set, make it an ideal choice for this purpose. The baseplate can provide a stable structure upon which wax or other materials can be added to create accurate occlusion and esthetic contours before final impressions are taken for complete or partial dentures.

In contrast to this, other materials or methods are typically preferred for making temporary crowns, fabricating impression trays, or creating clear aligners, which is why those choices do not align with the common use of shellac baseplates in the dental field.