Abstract: A dental and soft tissue scanning method and system is disclosed which uses fast laser line scanning techniques of negative image impressions, whereby an array of electronic data is generated. In operation the array of negative image scan data is generated by a scanner 60 and provided to a processor 501. The negative image scan data may be saved in a memory device 504 as a permanent record of the baseline condition of the patient's teeth, or temporarily prior to one of several other options. The processor 501 may convert the data to a positive image for display on the video display unit 503 for teaching or educational purposes with the patient. Alternatively, the positive information data may be transmitted to a remote PC 505 for storage, study by a consulting dentist (or physician), or fabrication of a study cast by fabrication device 507. These and other options may be selected by the user of computer 500 via the input device 506.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming dental impressions to record the bite registration of a patient's teeth. In accordance with the present invention, an impression is taken of a predetermined set of teeth on each side of the patient's mouth in the buccal region thereof to record the bite registration of the upper and lower teeth. The impression is preferably formed by a buccal impression apparatus which includes a rigid frame member having first and second arms and a central section interconnected therebetween, with the frame member defining an open area. A mesh material is connected between the first and second arms and the central section within the open area. The mesh material permits a moldable material to adhere to the frame member during the formation of the impression, with the frame member supporting the moldable material and providing a means to support the impression upon a scanning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture or tooling for securely holding an impression tray or study cast on a stage of an X-Y-Z scanning machine to permit accurate scanning of the impression tray, or the study cast, by the scanner of the scanning machine. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a pivoting clamp member that clamps a handle member on the tray or study cast. In a second embodiment, the fixture includes a block slidably disposed thereon for clamping an impression tray or a study cast in a clamping section. A registration fixture utilizing a pair of locking fixtures to simultaneously hold the study casts of the upper and lower sets of teeth to permit registration of the study casts is also provided.